Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Proverbs 1:33 But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.
GEMS FROM PROVERBS - 3
Safety and security! Most people would sacrifice much to have those blessings. But the proverb promises them to those who listen only "to me." If we look back a number of verses we find that "me" refers to wisdom. This is not the wisdom of the world. It is God's wisdom.
The Bible is made up of God's wisdom. We divide it into the Law and the Gospel. The Law teaches that all people have sinned and deserve only God's wrath. To those who learn to despair over their sinfulness, the Gospel brings the good news that their sins are forgiven.
A person who is fearful of his eternal future cannot feel secure in this life either. Therefore, Scripture advises: "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Spiritual matters are to come first. We are to do all we can to insure that we remain in faith in our Savior. Then all the other matters of this life, including safety and security, will fall into place.
Most important in seeking God and His righteousness is the use of His Word. Scripture tells us that "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17). After the Holy Spirit has created faith in a person's heart, the Word is still needed.
The Word keeps before us the truth that we are secure before God. Through faith in Jesus we are God's children. As such we have an almighty Father who loves us and can deny us no good thing. We can trust His promises. When troubles come, He will comfort us through His Word. With such a protector, we can life without fear of evil.
No, we are not promised that there will be no problems. But we are assured that they will finally work for our benefit (Romans 8:28). Without such trust in God every difficulty would be a cause for despair, and what miseries such a life would hold. Safety and security are found through faith in our Savior Jesus. May the Lord keep us in that faith and bless us with safety and security both here and hereafter. Amen.
