Proverbs 3:25–26 (NASB 2020) 25 Do not be afraid of sudden danger, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; 26 For the Lord will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught.
I’ve been tempted recently to fear “sudden danger” and “trouble from the wicked.”
What is “sudden danger?” From what I understand, it includes the gloom-ridden and spurious news we are constantly bombarded with. It makes me think of the current wars going on in Israel, Ukraine, and countries within Africa. Some of these people have just as much hate for Americans as they do the people they are fighting. They certainly hate Christianity and all that it represents.
I also have some more personal and localized sudden danger that has been keeping me up at night. Maybe you do too.
As for “trouble from the wicked,” this could be our religious freedoms slowly eroding away. There are consequences for injustice and a government that perverts God’s laws. Our country, communities, and culture are moving further and further away from God’s righteousness, and there will be trouble and ruin in their wake. Even if we oppose it, we will have to deal with the repercussions.
So, it turns out that I (we) desperately need the truth in Proverbs 3:25–26.
One, it reminds me of where my confidence comes from—the Lord. He must be my confidence. When I trust Him, I have nothing to fear because nothing can overturn His hand or stop Him from acting.
Two, because the Lord is my confidence, I don’t have to worry about a trap. He knows the future. Nothing will take Him by surprise. So, when I follow in His footsteps, I know I have a sure footing. If you’re walking with Him, then even the valley of the shadow of death won’t overcome you.
Brothers and sisters, fear is not an undefeated champion. It doesn’t have to bring you down. Just remember, it couldn’t keep Jesus down during the week He was betrayed. And that same power is within you.
Looking forward to Sunday morning! May God give you His confidence to face the day.
Grace and Peace,
Jack