Key Text: In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him. Proverbs 21:1

“The heart has reasons that reason cannot know.” – Blaise Pascal

In the Ancient Near East, channels were a life-giving sight. They funneled the moisture and nutrients from a body of water to the plot of land where crops would grow. Where there are channels directed, there is life. Controlling that powerful flow of energy was reserved for the most mighty ruler over the land. Proverbs reminds us that God is seated over every authority, and there is none above Him. He alone directs vast resources.

About 300 years after this proverb was recorded, King Artaxerxes proved it right. Jerusalem was in ruins, and her people were in exile. Moved in spirit by the report, Nehemiah humbly went before God to request His help and favor. His status as a servant didn’t phase him. Going to the king, Nehemiah boldly asked for all the materials and permission necessary to rebuild Jerusalem. And guess what happened? The heart of King Artaxerxes flowed toward Nehemiah and the purposes of God. In unprecedented fashion, the king provided everything that was requested.

God is in control, and His eyes are on the hearts of humankind. A constant theme in the book of Proverbs is the Lord’s sure direction. There is great comfort in knowing that while our hearts may make plans, God establishes them (Proverbs 16:9). Please God by aligning your heart with His. Watch as the resource needed to tend to His work is directed toward you.
Dave Mergens, Pastor of Adult Formation

Today’s Challenge: Boldly ask God to provide you resources to do His work.