How Trust and Terror are Polar Opposites
Photo by Alan Wouda on Unsplash
The Effects of Fear
Fear can paralyze or energize us.
This is called the flight or fight effect.
But the fear of fear—of sudden terror—is a bottomless pit. There's no end to it. It doesn't paralyze, it puts a person in a comatose emotional and mental state.
Fear of sudden terror is understandable in war-torn regions of the world and for people living under an oppressive government. In those situations, a general fear for one's life is realistic.
But this kind of fear is not so common for those of us who live in nations with some form of democracy or representative government.
Godly wisdom—what the Lord reveals to a person who trusts in Him—enables us to see beyond immediate circumstances.
The wisdom of God brings a view of the present and future that can free a person from the grip of sudden fear.
Godly wisdom—an understanding that sees beyond the immediate and what is obvious to all—comes with trusting in God Himself.
Inevitably, people in our life will disappoint us and let us down, just as we do with them.
This is why trusting God is essential for godly wisdom to enable us to see beyond our circumstances and other things in life beyond our control.
Scripture
Do not be afraid of sudden terror
or of the destruction of wicked people when it comes.
The Lord will be your confidence.
He will keep your foot from getting caught. (Proverbs 3:25-26 GW)
[Context—Proverbs 3:21-35]
Simple Insights
Consider the godly wisdom and counsel of this text in Proverbs 3:21-35.
We find several admonitions here in the form of do's and don'ts but also blessings and a promise.
I've often heard people denigrate the Bible as being full of rules with many dos and don'ts. Most of those people haven't read the Bible.
Ironically, a glut of books and blogs offer advice on a myriad of subjects with lists of dos and don'ts and some of their advice is questionable or contradictory.
However, the counsel in these verses is beneficial to others, as well as the person receiving this advice.
First, we’re exhorted to not live in a state of fearfulness but with confidence in the Lord's care and guidance.
What we are advised against promotes peaceful relations with those around us and is wisdom for pursuing peace and contentment for our own life.
This is a great alternative to getting pulled along by the current of evil and selfishness that surrounds us.
Another blessing present within this advice is that God will reveal wisdom to those who trust in Him along with grace and honor—regardless of our status in life.
Freedom from sudden terror comes with putting our trust and confidence in the Lord.
Reflection—
The wisdom of God provides a view of the present and future that releases a person from the grip of sudden fear. It gives understanding that enables a person to see beyond immediate circumstances by trusting in God Himself.
Prayer Focus—
Choose to lay your doubts, fears, and concerns before God in prayer daily and ask for His wisdom to guide you regarding all your circumstances and relationships. Trust in the Lord to free you from fearfulness and worry.
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