Proverbs 9:11 [ESV] for by me your days will be multiplied, and year will be added to your life.
I have been writing my biography for over seven years now, at times writing each day, and at times stuck and waiting for something to clear or to settle so that I can move on with the words. And every now and again I stop and read through the whole work that is there to date. It feels at time like more than one life – yet it is only 103,000 words so far (I have around 14 years of my life to still capture).
It’s for my children and my children’s children.
As I have relived these memories, some so painful that I stopped writing and went to see a psychologist, and some so happy that I have laughed and cried at the same time alone in my study, it feel like God has multiplied my years. That one man could have such experiences, such adventures and such calamities – and even then in those words, not all is told by far. Gratitude is the result. Nothing would be changed, no pain avoided, no opportunity missed. My very close friend years ago said to me “Allan, there are some things in life that are not good to go through, but are good to have gone through”. Those words have stayed close to me for many years now.
KNOWLEDGE – what do you want added to your life? For some people it may be wealth, or success, or influence. In some ways we are all focused on addition – more money, more, holidays, more opportunities, more choice, more freedom….One thing that we sort of chase, but is not in our hands, is more time. Psalm 139:16 [ESV] ESV Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.
We can and should do all that we can to extend our lives, eat well, sleep, exercise etc – as we want to make the biggest impact we can for God here on earth, before our time is up. And yes, there is tension in these two thoughts as they try to sit on the same sofa together. And that’s ok.
UNDERSTANDING
Let’s pick one word from this verse to look closer at and see if that can help us gain a deeper insight into how God would love us to live?
The word used for “multiplied” is pronounced as “harbah” in Hebrew. It carries the meaning of ” multiplied, increased, ask, as much, the course of time, and give more”.
In the LXX the Greek word used is προστεθήσεταί [prostethesetai] – “shall be added” – such as in Matthew 6:33 [ESV] But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things “will be added to you”.
WISDOM – seeking the company of Holy Spirit in humility and obedience is at the heart of all genuine wisdom.
STRENGTHS THOUGHT: Developer as a Gallup Strength, possibly lends itself to Professional Supervision, as the desire is for the person we are supporting to really step into their lane, and there is a great flexibility about how this can be realised. There will be moments when the developer should move on or away.
Allan’s Unauthorised Version – Your days are in God’s hands for the increase and multiplication, and time over time will be gained as you live.
For by me your days – your days are in God’s hands
will be multiplied – for the increase and multiplication
and years – and time over time
will be added – will be gained
to your life – as you live.
PRAYER: Father, thank you for today. Help me to allow you to lead me each day into the adventure you have in mind for me for this day.
To chat to me as a professional coach/mentor – allan@theallankey.com
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