These past few weeks have been strange for everyone. While we are all social distancing and self-isolating, we must “be alert and of sober mind. Our enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). So Christian: be alert and be on guard—beware of the dangers of isolation from friends, family, and your local church. We must be careful on the internet, and we must be careful with wayward thoughts in these moments of being alone. 

In this past week I have found out I have a far more significant anger problem than I thought. I am also far less patient, gracious, and kind than I thought I may have been. To my shame, those closest to me—my wife and children—have irritated me, not because they’re particularly irritating but because I am so, so selfish. Living in such isolation, just like everybody else, has revealed in me an even deeper, more desperate need for Jesus—every waking minute of every day. I am thankful for this. I need wisdom, understanding, and a right fear of God who loves me and all His children so tenderly.

Voice of Wisdom

This is a song I wrote to serve the last 20schemes Weekender. It is based on the book of Proverbs, which asks us: Who are we listening to? The voice of folly or the voice of wisdom? So I ask you: While you’re living at a distance from your brothers and sisters in Christ, sat in your home away from the usual accountability we all benefit from in our local churches, whose voice are you listening to? 

I pray this song encourages you and spurs you on to flee from the lying voice of the tempter and to find refuge in Christ, who has already won the victory.

You can also order Andy Prime’s new book Voices: Who Am I Listening To? here.

Proverbs 1

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

for gaining wisdom and instruction;
    for understanding words of insight;
for receiving instruction in prudent behaviour,
    doing what is right and just and fair;
for giving prudence to those who are simple,
    knowledge and discretion to the young –
let the wise listen and add to their learning,
    and let the discerning get guidance –
for understanding proverbs and parables,
    the sayings and riddles of the wise.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
    but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Prov. 1:1–7)