One of my favorite places to visit is the Book of Proverbs.

I steer myself here much like a driver pulling into a regular pitstop.

When I find myself in need of fresh fuel and a tune up for my heart and mind, this is one of the places I return to.

Every time I drive through proverbs I notice (or I’m reminded of) something new.

Yesterday, the particular gem that shone in the dirt for me was verse 3 of chapter 1:

“Receive instruction in wise dealing and the discipline of wise thoughtfulness, righteousness, justice, and integrity,” (Proverbs 1:3 AMP)

“The discipline of wise thoughtfulness.”

The way you think is a discipline.

It is something you can learn.

Our mind is a tool given by God to comprehend His world, and we’re encouraged to harness every thought and to tie it securely to the truth of God’s Word.

The mind can be an unruly beast left to its own devices.

How important this discipline is.

For me, the discipline of wise thoughtfulness is best exercised in quietness, with the Good Book open in my hands, carefully chewing each verse. Not hurrying to fulfil a quota of chapters, or trying to keep up with a reading plan.

One verse might take many minutes, even hours, to chew and ponder.

It’s essential to get past the fog that a busy brain stirs up.

God’s word settles like dew upon a rested soul:

“My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:” (Deuteronomy 32:2 KJV)

Get still, and know Him.

Don’t be a drive-by disciple.

Pull into the pitstop and stop your wheels turning for a minute or ten.

Develop the discipline of wise thoughtfulness as you ponder God’s words, and seek to see how they apply to your life right where you are.

Selah.