Have you ever thought about how many grains of sand layer a seashore? How many pebbles or rocks build hills and mountains? How many drops of water form the deep oceans? Through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8: 2. My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2-3.

The Spirit who gives life…encouraged in heart…united in love…and there for us if we are willing to accept His teaching given in great love.

Without that understanding of something greater than us we falter. The Holy Spirit guides us to life. When we reject that life what happens to our hearts?

The Ephraimite forces were called out, and they crossed over to Zaphon. They said to Jephthah, “Why did you go fight the Ammonites without calling us to go with you? We’re going to burn down your house over your head.” Judges 12:1. The law of sin and death. Forty-two thousand Ephraimites were killed at that time. v. 6.

Go deep. The Holy Spirit is guiding us to life. Treasures of wisdom and knowledge are not on the surface. We need the light of God’s loving wisdom to see. His truth is not within us without Him. This morning in prayer I had the sense of walking along a shoreline in the dark. There was sand, pebbles large and small and the sound of the water lapping to the right of me. A light was just ahead guiding me and I knew that without that light I wouldn’t get far. I hesitated because I worry. Lord are you leading me or am I imagining this? Understanding takes time. I realized I want to understanding everything not realizing yet how vast and deep is the knowledge of God. How could I understand everything? I’m not God! He wants me to slow down and stop rushing ahead without Him guiding me. There is peace in slowing down. There is peace when I trust Him to not leave me as I turn back to Him when I try to rush ahead. Go deep.

The Ephraimites rushed to anger and missed the deep understanding they were fighting against their own brothers. The law of sin and death within them left no room for the Spirit who gives life. Understanding takes time. Understanding takes trust in the One who is Life to lead us faithfully in great love. He will never lead us to sin and death. He leads us to Life in Him where understanding is deep. I’ll wait for you, Lord. I’m tired of stumbling about on my own. I need You!