Getting over stupid ∙∙
To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction – Proverbs 12:1
Psalms 19:7-11
7 The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
8 The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living.
9 Reverence for the LORD is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the LORD are true; each one is fair.
10 They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.
11 They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.
Released in 1994, the film “Forrest Gump” introduces us to a simple yet extraordinary man from Alabama, with an I.Q. of 75. Despite his limitations, Forrest is guided by the insightful wisdom of his remarkable mother, who equips him to handle life’s challenges with grace.
Possessing an incredible ability to run like the wind, Forrest earns a spot on the Alabama Crimson Tide football team, where he shines as an All-American athlete. His journey continues as he enlists in the Army, finding himself in the thick of the Vietnam War. There, he forges deep friendships with Lieutenant Dan and Bubba. In a heroic display of courage, Forrest saves numerous fellow soldiers during combat, including Lieutenant Dan, which earns him the prestigious Congressional Medal of Honor. Through these adventures, Forrest’s simplicity becomes his greatest strength, leading him through an extraordinary life filled with meaningful connections and achievements.
Inspired by Bubba’s dream, Forrest ventures into the shrimping business and is soon joined by Lieutenant Dan. Together, they become quite successful and amass significant wealth, transforming their lives. In addition to his business ventures, Forrest finds solace in running and embarks on epic journeys across the American landscape, followed by a devoted group of admirers who share in his quest for meaning.
Despite his accomplishments, Forrest can’t stop thinking about his childhood sweetheart, Jenny. His heart remains tethered to her, and he welcomes her into his life with unwavering devotion, offering her the stability and care she desperately needs. They marry and have a son, but tragically, Jenny’s life is cut short, leaving Forrest with the bittersweet task of raising their child alone.
Forrest’s life philosophy is encapsulated in the words of his mother, “Stupid is as stupid does.” This phrase became embedded in American culture and carries a more profound truth: being “stupid” is not a permanent condition. One can rise above limitations and transform one’s life by embracing and living out the wisdom found in the Word of God.
Embarking on a do-it-yourself landscaping project is a significant investment of both time and money, yet the rewards can be breathtaking, yielding vibrant results that endure for years. Choosing the right plants and trees is crucial to these endeavors. Some enthusiasts find joy in visiting local nurseries and handpicking flora, while others prefer the convenience of browsing online catalogs, selecting based on enticing images and descriptions.
One particular individual opted for the latter, spotting the perfect palm tree for his garden’s ideal spot. He ordered it, eagerly anticipating its arrival. When the package came, he was immediately puzzled by the words printed on the box: “Some assembly required.” This raised his curiosity. Upon opening it, he found not a living tree but a plastic replica of the palm he’d admired online. Shocked, he couldn’t help but declare, “This is the stupidest thing I’ve ever done.”
Recognizing our missteps is the first step to overcoming them. Wisdom, as illustrated in Psalms 19, begins with acknowledging our errors. Psalms 19 eloquently opens with a depiction of the heavens, whose silent grandeur speaks volumes without words. Yet, the Father communicates through words found in the Scriptures, offering profound, life-altering wisdom.
Psalms 19:7-9 highlights six synonyms for the law, each underscoring facets of divine guidance: instructions, decrees, commands, reverence, laws, and ordinances. In Jewish tradition, these are encapsulated in the scrolls of “the Law,”“The Torah.” Over time, the term “Law” began to encompass all of God’s revelation found in the entire Scriptures. The Hebrew word Torah means “direction,” “instruction,” or “law.” Torah comes from the Hebrew root word yarah, which means to “point,” “direct,” “throw,” or “cast.” Metaphorically, a teacher yarah (aims) arrows (instruction) to hit the target and achieve specific goals in the students’ lives.
Unlike human-authored textbooks, God’s Word is perfect and timeless. Though human languages change, necessitating new translations of the Scriptures, the Word of God never needs revision or improvement (Wiersbe)
The rewards of engaging with the Father’s truth are not only immense, they are transformative. Psalms 19:7-8 describes this wisdom as reviving the soul, infusing it with life and strength. It grants wisdom to the simple, bringing joy to the heart and illuminating the mind (UBS).
Psalms 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
A simple person is often inexperienced, ignorant, and naïve. Lacking common sense, they are easily swayed.
Embracing the Father’s word and guidance not only elevates us but also instills a sense of security and confidence. It turns missteps into growth and insight, guiding us on a path of spiritual development.
The Father God, who created the universe with His almighty power, offers to exercise that same power on our behalf to help us speak and think in a way that honors Him. He wants to be involved in every aspect of our lives (Stanley).
REFLECT & PRAY
In the hustle and bustle of our daily routines, it is vital to pause and contemplate the wonders of the Father’s creation and His written Word.
Father, Your truth is designed to instill wisdom, knowledge, depth, and goodness in the children of the King. Encourage me to immerse myself in Your Word, unlocking its life-giving power to provide guidance and instruction for my life.
INSIGHT
Our heavenly Father provided the Scriptures to reveal His truth, nurture our growth, and correct our missteps. The Word of God serves as the Father’s owner’s manual for the human soul, offering profound guidance.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.
17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
The Scriptures serve as a guide to instruct and equip us, ensuring that every child of the King is fully prepared and capable of facing whatever challenges the Father places in their path.
The times in which we live may not improve, but we can become better ambassadors for the Father, no matter how dark and daunting the world seems. The Father continually empowers us to be effective in fulfilling His purpose for our lives.
The Father’s will, as revealed in the wisdom of the Scriptures, is benevolent rather than dictatorial. It is not forced upon us but gently persuasive, encouraging us to choose goodness because it benefits us. His path leads to a life of fullness. Just as food nourishes the body, the Word of God revives the soul. The psalmist found joy in following the Lord’s ways, recognizing them as a source of the Lord’s (Tesh and Zorn).
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© Dr. H 2024
Dr H Reflections 