Proverbs Twenty

Proverbs 20:5 The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.


I am participating in the Significant Woman course offered by our church. It is the second time I am working through the book with many other women who are walking the journey with me.

Last Monday, we began looking at our core values that help to define our unique purpose. Our leader, Marilyn, reminded us again that it is not an easy task. She said it is like peeling an onion. We are to pull back layer by layer and discover what lies deeper and deeper. I am certain that this is why my second time in this course has been more revealing.

I am learning that though I find my purpose, and begin walking faithfully in it, I will still find layers to pull back and discover. It occurs to me that it is a wise and exciting God who would make the way to fulfilling our purpose so interesting , never boring and so enriching!

God, You are a surprising God! You surprise me with new revelations every day! You are deep and I must dive deep into You to find myself! I need You to coax me, Lord, because I am sometimes fearful and fail to seek after You. Thank You for being the mystery I need. Thank You for the clues You leave behind. Thank You for drawing me into You! Keep the mystery going, Lord. I want to yearn for the discovery of You and the creation You made in me.

Living Values

In the Significant Woman class I am taking we are finding our core values. It has been an interesting exercise and certainly good to focus on what I value deep inside my heart (as if I didn't already know). I guess narrowing the list down to four or five solid core values makes it worthwhile.

I have questions about the next part of the chapter, however. Though I hold these values at the center of my heart, is it possible I do not live my life by them? The second half of the chapter is leading me to make a habit of living by those values.

I admit I fall short of perfection in living out my core values, but I do stretch myself and aim to make choices based on them. My goals for the year are focused on those values and even the things I grieve most over are my times of failure in those areas. So what am I to take away from this lesson?

1. Knowing my core values is crucial to living them out.
2. Living out my core values must become habitual.
3. When core values take root and grow, my life will be filled with significance.

Father, I come to You today knowing You are Wise, the Giver of all good gifts, the Author and Finisher of my faith. You are doing a wonderful work in me. You are sowing seed, watering and tend to the weeds that try to choke out the life You plan for me. What is it You want me to do with this class information? What do You want me to know? What do You want me to do with it? I am listening for Your voice. I want to follow your leading!