The Locker

Friday, March 7, 2014
Listen to this devotional:
Listen while you read: "O Could I Speak The Matchless Worth"1 (Lyrics)

Proverbs 3:21-23 – My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. (NIV)

At the jail where I guard, there is a row of lockers to store our clients' personal belongings while they are in a holding cell. The lockers preserve their valuables and clothing from being lost or stolen until they are returned to them when they are released. Sometimes, they are released fairly quickly, and other times, their stay is lengthier, depending upon the seriousness of their offense. Whichever the case, the clients are there due to the fact that they have not displayed sound judgment or discernment regarding their behaviour.

In many ways, God provides a locker for all of us, if we choose to use it, in regards to the safekeeping of our personal behaviour and thoughts. Just as a metal locker surrounds and keeps safe a person's private and valuable belongings, when we cultivate sound judgment and discernment, these qualities surround and protect both our minds and our actions, preserving us from foolish and often unsafe habits and behaviours. But, we might ask, how does one cultivate and gain sound judgment and discernment?

Proverbs 3:1-2,5-6 – My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (NIV)

These verses give us the answer. For when we know and remember the teachings of God and trust in Him entirely, sound judgment and discernment will become a part of who we are. They will surround our very being, they will be as an ornament to grace our neck that we may go on our way safely, and our feet will not stumble as we traverse the way of life.

Prayer: Father God, grant us eager and faithful hearts that yearn for the wisdom of Your Word. Bless us with faithful, trusting spirits, that we might humbly acknowledge You in all our ways and thus preserve sound judgment and discernment within our lives. In Christ's name, we ask. Amen.

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About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Another good challenge Lynne.


    Wow Lynne – that was excellent!


    Excellent as usual, Lynn. Thank you. You must be such a comfort to those
    in whom your guardianship has been placed.


    Loved the devotional. Very good advice for all of us.
    Keep writing.
    Blessings.


    Isn’t that interesting. I used to baby sit for a couple of prison guards many years ago. The years I baby sat were the best. I had several children plus my own.


    Thanks for this. I’ve had this verse going through my head for some days, as I struggle with an unresolved issue in my life. This is a timely affirmation.
    (BC)


    Hi Lynne, I am very encouraged by your devotional. “Like apples of gold in settings of silver, Is a word spoken in right circumstances.” Proverbs 25:11 (NASB) I believe your writings here in Presbycan are just that!
    Blessings.


    Lynne: the only conclusion I can reach when I read the devotionals you have written, is that you have been touched by the hand of God, who has led you to reinforce us, as we walk the path He has chosen for us (and you).
    My sincere thanks.
    (BC.)


    Dear Lynne,
    Somehow, I can’t picture you as a jail guard. I know that good judgment and discernment are needed in the kind of work you do. God bless you. Thank you for this look into the meaning of these verses. Proverbs 3:5-6 are my favorites, my life verses as some would call them.


    Beloved in Christ Jesus,
    It has been awhile since I’ve read a devotional, but today I was prompted to do so and your devotional was so spot on. I’ve been about to go so restless because someone close to me has been incarcerated. I just have not known what to do! But, there it was in your devotional, “acknowledge the Lord in all you do.” Thank you for your words and compassion.

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