Wisdom's Call: 30 Days in the House of LifeVoorbeeld

PRECISION, PREPARATION, PROVISION

God—he clothes me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer and sets me securely on the heights. He trains my hands for war; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have given me the shield of your salvation; your right hand upholds me, and your humility exalts me. You make a spacious place beneath me for my steps, and my ankles do not give way. (Ps. 18:32–36)

Our God supplies all our needs for when we journey outside of Wisdom’s house. Once we are commanded to journey back into the city, Wisdom does not send us out unprotected, unclothed, or empty-handed—we leave fortified for the journey out and back.

By His wisdom, God has prepared us for every situation we may face. How quickly and smoothly the psalmist moves from clothed humans, to hooved animals, to images of men and women fit for battle.

For the psalmist, precision, preparation, and trust are the imagery of Wisdom’s provision.

First to our clothes: we are wrapped in Christ’s righteousness and His might, His wisdom and truth. A distinct image just for clothes-wearing humankind.

Then, to the deer. We have seen the images of a roe or fallow deer, or even the alpine ibex, ascending near-vertical mountain ledges, embankments, and dams, their cloven hooves effortlessly grasping the smallest ledges. Up they go in search for minerals and salts, their tongues flicking against the rock, seemingly oblivious to the dizzying heights they’ve achieved, much less the danger of the canyon far below.

Trust, power, stamina, and precision guide the herd as they travel difficult terrain together. And then, the militaristic language, also communal in nature. We are made not only to grasp the bronze bow, but also trained in its proper usage lest we cause collateral damage and undue harm.

God is the Keeper. Every good and perfect gift comes from Him; wisdom, freedom, strength, humility, might, even the very ability to remain faithful comes from the power of His Spirit.

Can you imagine having to beat your own heart? He keeps His living machines running until it is time for them to come Home, and even the timing of our Homegoing is at His discretion.

All comes from Him, all is directed by Him, all is subsumed under Him, and all is given by Him.

With our God, we can scale a wall.