O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
Who orders all things far and nigh;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in its ways to go.
O Come, O Come Emmanuel (8th or 9th century)
Latin: Germany (1710)
Listen to this modern version of this popular hymn/carol as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.
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Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below! It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.
Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.
We continue our journey through Advent with this ancient text which invokes several powerful images of Emmanuel and invites Him to come even as we rejoice. Let’s think about this.
Seeing the Path
It can sometimes be difficult to identify the path ahead of you. Sometimes it is because the tress are so thick it is hard to see. Sometimes it is just dark. Sometimes it is challenging to lift your head enough to make anything out at all.
If you are going to be successful in any endeavor you must have some perspective and some clarity. Without the former, you are likely to settle into whatever makes you comfortable. Without the latter, you may be inclined to wander aimlessly, moving around but getting nowhere.
As you think about finishing this year and starting the new one soon, do any of these circumstances describe what you are going through? Maybe you are having trouble finding your way and you are struggling. Maybe you have asked for help but it does not seem to be coming. Whatever the case, this stanza offers a simple solution through a simply prayer.
To us the path of knowledge show,
Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Psalm 25:4 ESV
His paths are not ours, but He welcomes us to leave the ones we are on and join Him. If you truly want to walk the path of knowledge, ask Him to show it to you, realizing it may very well be small, daily adjustments you will need to make. Those adjustments may be all that is required of you to learn His paths.
One of the ways He orders the things in your life, the prayer from the previous line in the hymn, is by revealing the very path of knowledge. When you know the way to go, that which knowledge dictates, you have a better opportunity to take it.
RESONATE!
I know it seems too simple, but it is very important you ask Him to show you His path. He wants to do it. But He does want s to want it. Ask Jesus to show you the path of knowledge.
Taking It
It is one thing to know the path, to be able to see it, identify it. It is another thing altogether to walk it. But having a companion along the way, one who knows the path can make a huge difference.
You are never alone. God is always with you. Always showing. Always teaching. Are you watching? Is this your prayer?
And teach us in its ways to go.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8 ESV
He has promised He will instruct and teach us, but notice it is a very personal thing. He is going to counsel us, and have His eye on us. How remarkable is that? Wisdom from on high has His eye on you as you learn to walk in His ways. That is pretty remarkable.
But what to how remarkable that is the simple fact that even when we know the right, we do not choose it and He knows that. Often we may know the right way, but we still choose the wrong. He says I will teach you in the way you should go. He will not force us, but welcomes us to taking it.
RESONATE!
Thank Him that He is watching you, ever instructing and redirecting. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you how to walk the path of knowledge so you may be positioned to receive the blessings of walking with wisdom. Spirit, teach me how to walk with wisdom.
Jesus, thank You for your patience with me as I muddle along the path you have clearly marked. Help me to walk it in today and every day. I am so thankful Your eye is upon me. In Jesus name. Amen.
Teachable Thinking!
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Podcast 24.2 Transcript
Welcome to Thursday Thoughts at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s think about this.
O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
…the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. James 3:17 ESV
And how we long for Emmanuel to come and impart that wisdom to us. Wisdom whose presence allows our lives to be filled with some remarkable qualities. The question becomes will we welcome that Wisdom to find expression in our lives. Ask Him to search your heart.
Who orders all things far and nigh;
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9 ESV
The first issue arises: God’s ways are not our ways. If we are going to welcome HIs presence, then we must first acknowledge it will require us to behave and think differently. Are you willing to make those adjustments in your living and thinking?
To us the path of knowledge show,
Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Psalm 25:4 ESV
His paths are not ours, but He welcomes us to leave the ones we are on and join Him. If you truly want to walk the path of knowledge, ask Him to show it to you, realizing it may very well be small, daily adjustments you will need to make. Ask Him to show you His path.
And teach us in its ways to go.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8 ESV
He has promised He will instruct and teach us, but notice it is a very personal thing. He is going to counsel us, and have His eye on us. How remarkable is that? Wisdom from on high has His eye on you as you learn to walk in His ways. Thank Him that He is watching you.
Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has come to your mind, or listen to what He is saying to you, then I will read our text once more, with the refrain.
O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
Who orders all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in its ways to go.
Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
Take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond. Until next time, Be Resonant.
The post This Is the Way, Walk In It appeared first on Resonant 7.
Image Attribution
To Us the Path of Knowledge Show – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/man-forest-path-trees-woods-5714986/
And Cause Us in Her Ways to Go – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/illustration-background-wallpaper-5291780/
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