Safe and Sound

Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD, would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof, therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way, and have their fill of their own devices. For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them; but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.” (Proverbs 1:29-33 ESV). The promise of our reading is that whoever listens to the wisdom of the Lord will be secure. Since I often play with idioms in better communicating the Scripture, I thought I would use the common phrase “safe and sound” for secure. They combine in thought to provide a full expression of the safety God’s will provides for the believer. The dictionary simply translates it as free from damage, danger, or injury; and, having escaped danger or injury; unharmed. Some other common idioms that might have worked would be out of harm's way, on the safe side, snug as a bug in a rug, under one's wing, or bearing a charmed life. I have often seen the fearlessness of young children at play. It seems they know no fear. Perhaps this is just a function of their ignorance. Isaac Stern, the great violinist believed this. Observing a nine-year-old playing the violin amazingly well, he said, “You can’t really tell how an artist will be until the teen years, for that is when fear comes in. Then and only then can you see if the person has courage. You can’t learn courage until you know fear.” Perhaps it is a matter of the ease of faith that children seem to naturally possess. They simply can’t imagine anything but good in their lives. As we age we find more reasons to doubt that truth. Then fear becomes a regular part of our lives. Fear can paralyze us. Finding the courage to overcome it is a real key to successful living. One day, Jesus’ disciples were caught at sea in a storm. They were afraid they wouldn’t make it. Jesus walked out to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” The key to finding courage in the face of fear comes through faith in Jesus Christ. The key to finding the courage to overcome fear is faith. If you are worried, fearful, or despairing, chances are that you are failing to see just how capable and willing God is to keep all His promises to you. Here are two principles to help in your fear: First, God is faithful; He will always be there for you. God’s presence is constant and unfailing. Even when it appears you have been abandoned, you must know that is not the truth. Second, God is all-powerful, and He uses that power for your good. While we may not see that good immediately it is being worked out on our behalf. You are safe and sound! Rest easy in Christ!