Pr. 1:8-9: “My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother; for the will be a graceful ornament on your head, and chains about your neck.”
Several years ago, when my sister-in-law began her journey with breast cancer, she sent out 7 necklaces. Each necklace had a letter from the word JOURNEY. I remember receiving mine in the mail and feeling the weight and privilege of it. It felt very heavy because of the diagnosis and turmoil that I understood would accompany it; but it was a privilege because she entrusted me to pray with her, reach out to her, and be on her side along the way.
I wore my necklace every day and would sometimes touch it during the day, reminding myself of all she was going through, or facing in the future. It was a great reminder for me of what was going on in her life.
Solomon compares hearing the instruction of your father and not forsaking the law of your mother to graceful ornaments on our head and chains about our neck. I certainly don’t believe he meant heavy construction chains. I believe he meant something more like that necklace my sister-in-law sent to me. I believe he is saying to his son that the instructions and law would be good reminders for him throughout his life. Those reminders would guide and protect him.
The entire law of God is the same way. God does not place heavy chains upon us or bind us with His law. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. His precepts are like these graceful ornaments and chains of remembrance. Heeding His instruction protects us, keeps us safe, and keeps us mindful of what is truly important.
We all need reminders. Just as that necklace reminded me to pray for my sister-in-law, God’s instructions and laws remind me to be mindful of things above. They remind me why I am really here, and what my purpose truly is. They remind me whose I am. They remind me that I am not alone on this earth. I have a Father who has reached out to me and given me His Word to keep me safe and give me everlasting life.
God’s law reminds me that there is One who cares for me so much that He would set things in place to provide protection for me. The instruction in His Word reminds me that He is aware of me and my needs. He is my Provider, my Shepherd, my Deliverer, Healer, Help in time of need. He is my everything.
It is good for us to heed the instruction and law of our Lord and Savior, and to “wear” them as reminders. They will allow God to guide and protect us all the days of our lives.
Being reminded,
jamie
considering the word 