Living By Design

Solomon wrote; “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” (Proverbs 4:23, NLT)  Good words, wise words.  Solomon was stinkin wise. 1 Kings 4:31 makes mention, listing those he was wiser than. In this list, among many, we find ‘Ethan the Ezrahite‘. Can you imagine going down in permanent history, basically being said of you, “Ethan, oh he’s the not so wise guy Dude!” – overshadowed by another, someone greater than you?  We live in a society where there are comparative views of about EVERYTHING.  “This tastes better than that… over there is more spacious than here…he sings better than him… she is prettier-thinner-gifted and smarter than her… they have more than us.”  Comparison.

Even though, Solomon was granted wisdom and a discerning heart by God (See conversation in 1 Kings 3) reading this narrative of Ethan, we can’t stop there! Scholars believe Psalm 89 is attributed to this same Ethan the Ezrahite. He is divinely granted parchment space of 52 verses.  He writes of God’s steadfast love and faithfulness of covenant, with strong worshipful words, “I will sing of the LORD’s great love forever; with my mouth, I will make Your faithfulness known through all generations.” (v1)  He goes on to declare  “You have made … established… You rule… crushed… scattered … founded, and created…”  THAT is some dandy declaring!

Overshadowed Ethan?  I think not.  Yes, not as wise by design as Solomon, but he was impacting, he was declaring, worshiping Ethan,  “O LORD God Almighty, who is like You? You are mighty…” (v8)

May we be inspired, it is not a matter of comparison, but one of living by design. What will WE do, write or sing?

Stinkin wise?  Perhaps not, but making known God’s love and faithfulness.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)