Proverbs – Sayings Of SolomonSample

In Praise of Messy Stables

Are you one of those who despise mess and makes strenuous and repeated efforts to keep everything tidy? Or are you one of those who create messes for others to clean up?

Everyone has a different perspective on mess. The truth is, there are messes to avoid (as in making a mess of your life) and messes to applaud. In Proverbs 14, Solomon gives us heavenly wisdom on the second of these. He declares, “The only clean stable is an empty one” (v.4, TPT). In other words, if you don’t want mess, don’t have livestock!

Then he goes on to add this luminous truth: “If you want the work of an ox, and enjoyment of an abundant harvest, you’ll have a mess or two to clean up!”

This proverb is radiant with wisdom. Anyone who wants to see a visitation of God and a growth in God’s people, knows that this principle holds true: revival is messy.

Consider for a moment the most important event in history. When the Infinite became an infant, it was in a stable filled with animals. The Messiah was therefore born in a mess. You can’t avoid the implications of all of this.

Solomon was so right. Great awakenings are untidy. Many people prefer the order of the cemetery to the order of the nursery, so they miss out on their abundant harvest. Let’s be numbered among those who don’t mind cleaning up the mess.

Your dreams will not be fulfilled without making a mess or two along the way. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what steps you can take toward the dreams he has put in your heart—even if it’s messy—and write what he says.