Day 135, Year 1

Awakening in Time

“A man who is in honor, yet does not understand, is like the beasts that perish.” (Psalm 49:20 NKJV)

In my understanding, those with the necessities of life and physical and mental well-being are living in honor. Today’s verse states that those in honor but do not seek understanding, or awakening, in a Chinese translation, are not living beasts, but actually beasts that perish. “Understand” in Hebrew, biyn, here means “to know with the mind.” To seek godly understanding and be spiritually awakened is crucial for all who live in honor. This is because many people are tormented by poverty and sickness, struggling every day. Whereas some are burdened by their living or mental issues, which leave them despondent and unable to have a normal mind, let alone seek God’s understanding or awakening.

It is important for believers to awaken, as some only reflect and change after encountering problems. Yet, Jesus has repeatedly warned that when He returns, or on the day of great tribulation, those wanting to repent will have no more chance. Similarly, some think they could believe in Jesus just before they die. But unfortunately, at least some of them fail to do so. On the contrary, we who understand would seize the opportunity in peaceful times to reflect and ask God for help to change ourselves. This is not only about striving to live like humans and separating ourselves from the ranks of livestock, but also about using the various types of understanding and wisdom we seek to help ourselves and others to advance in faith.

“The mouth of fools feeds on folly.” (Proverbs 15:14b NASB) This seems quite prevalent among the honorable. Those unawakened and do not seek divine understanding seem content with all kinds of foolish activities, interests, and even fantasies. Contrarily, we need to evaluate everything we are accustomed to doing from time to time, be it foolish or clever, so as to awaken from all folly. Moreover, some bad habits actually have certain functions. For example, smoking serves as a few-minute break for employees working in certain industries. Drinking could also serve as a tool for drowning sorrows or raising spirits. We need to understand our true needs at the root, subsequently seek healthier substitutes for bad habits, in order to genuinely awaken and seek His understanding. This process is arduous and might even be painful. But for those living in honor, it should not be too difficult with God’s help to change our lives. During the process of awakening, many would need encouragement and help from others, so do not hesitate to seek help.

Reflection questions:

1) Are you currently living in honor? If so, have you been diligently seeking understanding and awakening from God?

2) What do you think is the key to changing one’s foolish and harmful habits?