Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you desire cannot compare with her.

~Proverbs 3:13-15 NKJV

A vibrant blue sky, a pleasant breeze, and the sound of melodious birds welcomed me during my morning walk.

The serene surroundings on this seventy-five-degree day reminded me of a song I recently heard after many years of absence. Initially, I struggled with the correct inflection, but once it came to me, I sang its few stanzas. If you’ve never listened to More Precious Than Silver, it’s worth googling. As I sang the verse’s over and over, tears fell and I became overwhelmed with emotion, unable to continue. 

The last stanza, “nothing I desire compares to You” stuck in my head, prompting me to question its meaning. What earthly objects or events have ever affected me comparable to the Spirit of God? A new car, a house, marriage, the birth of my daughter or grandson? These are all amazingly wonderful things, however, there is no comparison.

King Solomon, who wrote Proverbs 3, walked with the Lord and built His temple. As a reward, God offered him whatever his heart desired. If my Heavenly Father granted me this genie in a bottle moment, I would give serious thought before answering, but not Solomon, he knew immediately. It had nothing to do with ambitions related to self, instead, he asked for something to benefit the kingdom and his people, wisdom. Pleased with Solomon’s response, God granted his request, plus what he didn’t ask for, riches and honor.

If there’s one common theme in the Bible, it’s God first, then others.

…love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

~Matthew 22:37b-39 NKJV

I may not receive the same reward as Solomon, but what He chooses to give will be far greater than anything I can think or imagine. God is a rewarder of obedience.

The next time life throws you a curveball, ask, “Is my focus on God, others, or myself?”

Dear Lord God, My mind desires earthly things, but without You in the forefront, life becomes meaningless, like dust in the wind. Help and strengthen me to love You with all my heart, and to love others, remembering that Your sacrifice was for all mankind. Let Your desires become mine so I may walk the path You’ve paved for me.

In Jesus’ name. Amen

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2021: Deepest Desire: Irene Wintermyer: All Rights Reserved