“When you roam, they will lead you; when you sleep, they will keep you; and when you awake, they will speak with you” (Prov. 6:22).
Here Solomon is referring to commands, laws, precepts, and principles which his father and mother had taught him. He urges his son not to forsake or neglect them, but to keep them and value them highly. He assures his offspring that the Word of the Lord will lead him wherever he goes. It will stand guard over him as he sleeps. When he awakes in the morning, it will speak to him.
Years ago, I met people who told me they started the day with a scripture verse from the Lord. These dear friends were not mystical, ethereal, or metaphysically esoteric. They were down-to-earth, sensible, God-fearing, hard-working people devoted to serving the Lord and doing His will.
They shared with me how they had trained themselves to start the day with a “word from the Lord.” This was the verse they used as a basis for their practice, for which they claimed three benefits:
1) Their lives were serene, knowing they were guided by the Word.
2) Their sleep was peaceful, knowing they were guarded by the Word.
3) Their waking was inspiring, knowing they would be given a word from the Lord for that day.
Tomorrow morning, instead of jumping out of bed and hitting the floor with a running start, why not wait thirty to sixty seconds and let the Lord give you a word of peace, joy, or love. Proverbs 6:22 could read in this sequence:
1) “Guided” by the Word
2) “Guarded” by the Word
3) “Goaded” by the Word
Try it; it works!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.