Put  falsehood and lying far from me, give me neither poverty nor riches; provide me only with the food I need . . . -- Proverbs 30:8

Your word, O Lord, is a lamp for my feet. -- Psalm 119:105

.  .  .  He sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God  and to heal the sick . . . -- Luke 9:2

Sometimes God reminds me that I don¹t need to do a lot of puzzling and pondering and analyzing in order to discern and do His will.  Sometimes He reminds me that no matter how much I worry and fuss and fret, He always will give me exactly what I need.

I hear both reminders in today's readings.

The words from Proverbs are ascribed to a person named Agur.  I don't know much about Agur, but I envy him.  In a culture that seems to encourage us to ask God for everything from a better business climate to victory in a football game, Agur's simple elegant request shines like a beacon in a stormy, troubled, dark night:

Let me be close to truth, and give me only what I need.

This wisdom lights my path.

Think about what Jesus didn't say to the Twelve:

He didn't say make sure you have enough food, and a map, and protection.

He didn't say draw up a detailed plan.

He didn't say make sure you're understood.

He said proclaim the Kingdom and heal the sick.  Stay where you're welcomed. Don't be bothered by rejection.

Nothing like keeping it simple.

I could bother with and be bothered by a lot of stuff today.  I pray that instead, I may by word and action proclaim God's goodness, and be grateful for it.  I pray that I respond to opportunities to heal, or be healed.  I pray to desire what God has given me, and no more.