For Crying Out Loud

(Proverbs 2:3 KJV)  Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;

We continue with the “if” (518)statements.  These are conditions for the promise that begins to emerge in verse 5 with “then”.  Remember that God’s promises are conditional.  I don’t know that I can say all are conditional or most are conditional, but I know that as I read my Bible there seem to be those phrases that demand something from us.  In our culture we have what have come to be called “entitlements.”  These are things that people have come to believe they deserve.  In a few years I will qualify for Social Security and Medicare.  Will it still be there?  Opinions vary.  But we think we are entitled, after all, we have been paying in all those years.  It does not bother us that someone else will be paying for it.  God’s economy does not work that way.  He does not have to rely on the latest election or opinion poll.

We are to “cry” (7121).  I think to “cry” (7121) is a bit more of a desire than just wanting.  Is “Let’s Make a Deal” still on TV?  Years ago I was talked into (under threat of divorce) going to one of the tapping sessions.  As you stand in line the producer of the show walks down the file talking to people, observing them and taking names.  In the process he decided who would be picked for the show.  It was obvious that he was looking for the ones who would cry out for attention.  Were you willing to make a fool of yourself in order to raise his show’s ratings?  Some people were desperate to get on TV.  There is a sense in which we need to be desperate to know the things of God.  Very little of importance in life comes to those who don’t cry out in some way.

So?  Develop some passion.  I don’t mean running down the street, waving your arms and shouting, “Praise the Lord!”  I mean make time with the Lord a priority.  If you say you love your children yet spend no time with them, it is a hollow declaration.  Getting serious is a decision reflected in your priorities.  Change them.