I’m reading slowly through Arthur Pink’s book, The Attributes of God, and here is a paragraph from chapter 21 “The Guidance of God.” (I’ve been spending time in this chapter these days because I’m seeking guidance on some mid-life stuff.)
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success” (Josh. 1:8). God will be no man’s debtor. In keeping His commands there is “great reward” (Ps. 19:11). Part of that reward is deliverance from being deceived by the false appearances of things, from forming erroneous estimates, from pursuing a foolish policy. Part of that reward is acquiring wisdom so that we choose what is good, act prudently, and follow those paths which lead to righteousness, peace, and joy. He who treasures in his heart the divine precepts and diligently seeks to walk by their rule will escape those evils which destroy his fellows.
Getting reflective here:
About 30 years of almost-daily being with God through His Word. And I learn to appreciate those rewards of steering my life by His ways.
For example, I started doing birth work in 2010, until about 2013 or so. Then I mostly stopped (I took a few exception clients.)
You know, stopping was one of the hardest things I think I’ve ever done, because I love birth work, and there are times I regret and sigh over it, but now, at 43, I’m glad I did it. With getting perspective, I guess I derailed my career, but it’s not a hard career to return to, though I regretted and sighed because I thought it was forever gone. I’m glad I was available to and with my kids so much during those years. What I’m glad about is that I didn’t sell my soul or my family to birth work. (I personally wasn’t able to make it mix at that point, though there are others who certainly can.)
“Part of that reward is deliverance from being deceived by the false appearances of things, from forming erroneous estimates, from pursuing a foolish policy. Part of that reward is acquiring wisdom so that we choose what is good, act prudently, and follow those paths which lead to righteousness, peace, and joy. “
I’m actually, as part of my mid-life motions, getting ready to return to birth work, but I think differently about it now, and I’m not so sacrificial towards it as I used to be.
So, even though it’s the long middle, I have definite rewards– a well-invested marriage, nice kids, long-term friends, meaningful ministries ….