The Teacher extols the benefits of wisdom through poetry. A person
who dispenses wisdom is like one who brings in a ray of sunlight so thatpeople can see clearly they can cause a hard look to soften and resuscitate a lifeless heart. - P114
Therefore, we seek wisdom, not so we can proclaimourselves as wise but for the sake of refreshing those around us. - P114
Oneprimary way by which we gain wisdom is by studying God‘s Word anddelighting in His presence. - P114
If we are prompt to obey an earthly ruler‘scommands and understand we must be faithful to our own words, howmuch more should we submit to the King of kings and value His Word! - P114
We all want to be in control on some level. We want to limit the marginof error in the various aspects of our lives, such as our finances, health, and relationships. - P114
But we also know that there is no guarantee againstthings going wrong: we will sometimes miss out on the right timing andopportunities, and unexpected circumstances often get in the way ofour best laid plans. - P114
After all, trying to manage the future is like trying tocontrol the wind: it is foolish to even try! - P114
What matters is living with aclear purpose in obedience to the Lord. - P114
He is in control over all things,
and we can trust in His sovereign goodness. - P114
"We may still be a sorrowful people-burdened, broken, and beaten up-butwe will not be a cynical people. We are a people of hope."-Scott HubbardU - P114
Disappointment management is the practice of conditioning ourselves not to become too optimistic. - P115
Believing that there is nothingworse than getting our hopes up only to have them crushed, we tellourselves, "If it happens, great! But if not, that is totally fine andexpected." We might even become suspicious of God when life startsto go well, expecting Him to inflict us with suffering at any moment.
- P115
But by forbidding our hearts to hope, we are depriving ourselves ofone of the greatest joys in this life. Of course, there is no guaranteethat we will never be disappointed, but we should still look forwardto the good things that God delights in giving to His children. - P115
Andthose of us who have experienced a prayer answered or a dream cometrue know that there is nothing more beautiful that having one‘s hopesfulfilled. - P115
As we allow ourselves to hope, let us place our ultimate hopein the Lord, who will never disappoint us. We do not need to be afraidof getting our hopes up, for in Christ, the best is always yet to come! - P115
Dear Lord, rather than pursuing control over my life, help me to seek heavenlywisdom instead. - P115
As I live in faithfulness and trust, use me to refresh others withthe wisdom You give me. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P115
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