Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from June 20-26 are written by Pastor Andrew Kim at Tapestry Church.  Andrew, a graduate of Eternity Bible College, is currently attending Fuller Theological Seminary.  He and Jessie were married in 2014.

Devotional Thought for Today

Habakkuk 2:1

I will take my stand at my watchpost and station myself on the tower, and look out to see what he will say to me, and what I will answer concerning my complaint.

After a back and forth conversation between Habakkuk and God in the first chapter, the prophet says that he will go to his watchpost and wait for God’s response. Instead of speaking his own thoughts and words to the people of Judah, he chooses to go to the tower in order to keep a watchful eye for God’s answer. Here, it is easy to see that Habakkuk understood his role as a prophet well. He was not charged to speak his own thoughts but to be God’s mouthpiece. And this meant learning how to listen well with an obedient posture—not insisting on his own ways but to allow God to determine the content of his words and actions.

We as Americans struggle to reflect this humble posture. An underlying sentiment beneath the promises of the American Dream is the notion that we are entitled to absolute freedom. A product of this kind of thinking is the idea that ultimate authority rests on the self—that we hold the power to determine the course of our lives. We might allow others to offer their opinions but submission to those opinions is a rarity. And this posture oftentimes bleeds into our relationship with God. Our prayer lives are full of demands but rarely do we take time to wait and listen for the direction of God. It has become more about informing God of our needs and desires rather than intently listening to what He has for us.  Take some time to listen to God and allow Him to lead your life!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to quiet my heart from all the distractions and worldliness so that I could intently listen to Your voice.  Help me to develop a deep friendship with my Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 85

Lunch Break Study

Read Proverbs 2:1-5: My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.

Questions to Consider

1. What is the author of Proverbs calling the “son” to yearn for?
2. What is the ultimate reward that wisdom affords us?
3. Do you seek the wisdom of God or do you rely on yourself to determine much of your life?

Notes

1. The author wants the son to desire understanding and to genuinely treasure wisdom.
2. The ultimate reward is the fear of the Lord and the knowledge of God.
3. Personal.

Evening Reflection  

As you’ve been reflecting on our passage for today, take some time to to pray and ask God to give you a heart that is sensitive to His voice.