Proverbs 3:25-26

HAVE NO FEAR of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.

The book of Proverbs is said to be written as a way to teach people to gain wisdom, for discipline, to know how to do what is right, and to be able to apply wisdom while providing moral instruction through parables, poems, and couplets.

This book is credited to King Solomon as the author with others contributing for its completion.

In 1 Kings 3 and 2 Chronicles 1, we are told of Solomon (son of David and Bathsheba) becoming king after the death of his father. Both accounts tell us that God appeared to Solomon in a dream and instructed him to “ask for whatever he wanted God to give him“.

I can think of many answers I could have given…

However, perhaps as proof that Solomon was already pretty wise, his response in 2 Chronicles was, “give me wisdom and knowledge that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”

In 1 Kings, his response is worded this way: “Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.”

In both accounts, God replied that He would give Solomon such a wise and discerning heart that there would never be another like him.

Discernment is the ability God gives to many people to think and make correct choices.

Needless to say…

If there is some advice given by someone the Lord designated as SO WISE and SO DISCERNING that none other would be like him, I think I’m gonna listen to what he has to say!

How about you??

So, as before in previous days of our lectio divina…now that we know that the words written in verses 25-26 were written by someone IN THE KNOW… let’s read them again together:

HAVE NO FEAR of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, FOR THE LORD WILL BE YOUR CONFIDENCE and will keep your foot from being snared.

What words or phrases stand out?

•Sudden disaster

The book of Proverbs may have been written in the day of King Solomon’s rule (circa 970-931 BC), they still have significance today.

Are we or are not in the midst of global climate changes? Are we not living in a time where earthquakes are shaking, hurricanes are flooding, fires are burning, and a plague is roaming???

I dare say there is MUCH to be afraid of as far as sudden disaster is concerned!!

What else comes to mind when the words “sudden disaster” is spoken?

* job loss

*waiting for a diagnosis or treatment plan

*election results

*social injustices

*worsening political or social unrest

*car accidents

*school shootings

I think it is easy to assume that there is quite a bit “out there” that could bring DISASTER into our lives suddenly.

DO NOT BE AFRAID OF IT.

HAVE NO FEAR OF IT.

For the thousandth time, we ask how is that possible? How can I NOT be afraid?

Those things listed are terrible and I do not want any of it anywhere near me or my loved ones!!

The wise king tells us this:

FOR THE LORD WILL BE YOUR CONFIDENCE.

The word “confidence” means to have a firm trust in something or someone.

Another way to say this verse, then, is that the Lord will be your TRUST.

Because we can trust the Lord, we do not have to be afraid.

I think I should write that again…

BECAUSE WE CAN TRUST THE LORD,

WE

DO

NOT

HAVE

TO

BE

AFRAID!!!

How can Solomon, or anyone, tell you not to be afraid of something?

How can he say “have no fear” for the Lord is your confidence and that should make all the difference in the world to you like a magic wand being waved?

I can honestly say that having trust in God is NOT a magic wand that removes fear.

Nor is it by God always removing the situation that is causing fear because I ask it of Him.

Being confident in God, having my trust in Him, Him being my confidence means that I believe in His ability to take care of it and of me in it because He loves me.

What is “it”??

Whatever IT is to you.

If the sudden disaster I fear the most is the results of the election, then I CHOOSE to trust my future to God.

God is my King.

God is the creator of this planet.

God rules with justice and authority.

Jesus still has the victory no matter who “rules” the United States of America via presidency.

If I fear the climate changes that are rapidly affecting the globe, then I trust God to know what He wants to do with creation as He is the One who created it in the first place!! One way or another, He will have His way…and His way is good.

If I fear an illness or a diagnosis, I trust my soul to the Lord. I trust He will give me strength. I believe that He will help me to endure whatever comes my way. I have confidence that He will stay by my side no matter what.

Have no fear…for the Lord is your confidence.

I can stand courageously, with my feet firmly rooted in faith, if I utter those words to myself in times of fear.

Lord,

Help my focus to be on YOU and not on what makes me fear.

Amen.