A Psalmist Moment

*Inspired by Proverbs 27:23*

“Know the Condition”

Listen—

the morning hums, the city breathes, the church bell rings,

and God leans close to whisper simple things.

“Be sure you know the condition,” He says soft, not loud,

a shepherd’s word for the faithful, for the humble and the proud.

Know the condition, know the state,

check the flock before it’s late.

Not with panic, not with shame,

but with steady hands that call His name.

I rhyme it plain so your heart can read:

stewardship is action, not just creed.

If you lead a team, a home, a song,

look beneath the surface—what’s weak, what’s strong?

When ministry is busy and the calendar’s full,

don’t let the quiet cracks become a pull.

A leader can be anointed and still be torn,

anointed hands can hide a heart worn.

Know the condition—check the pulse,

ask the hard questions, not just convulse.

Is joy intact or quietly gone?

Is prayer alive or merely on?

In the pews there’s laughter, on the feed there’s praise,

but behind closed doors are longer days.

A mother smiles, a pastor prays,

but who checks the nights they cannot say?

Simple evidence: missed calls, late replies,

a sermon strong while the spirit sighs.

A volunteer who used to run, now walks slow—

that’s a signal, friend; that’s what you need to know.

Know the condition—tend the flame,

don’t let neglect steal another name.

Boundaries are love when they guard the soul,

rest is holy, not a selfish goal.

Practical steps, plain and true:

call the one who’s quiet; sit with the few.

Schedule a Sabbath, not just a day,

but a sacred pause where the heart can stay.

Bring counsel in when the burden’s deep,

professional hands for wounds that seep.

Accountability, not accusation—

a circle of truth, a safe foundation.

Know the condition—watch and pray,

tend the flock in the light of day.

Not to control, but to care and keep,

to wake the watchmen from their sleep.

This is not a scold; it’s a steady call—

to love with wisdom, to answer the small.

To notice the tremor in a faithful voice,

to choose the hard care over easy choice.

So rise, beloved, with courage bright,

let compassion lead and wisdom write.

Check the children, check the team,

check the dreamer chasing dream.

Know the condition—hold it dear,

tend the fragile, draw them near.

For what you guard with patient hands

becomes the place where blessing stands.

May your eyes be open, your feet be swift,

may your words be balm, your presence gift.

May the Lord give you sight to see,

and the grace to keep what He gives thee.

Amen.