Proverbs 1:33 ESV: “But whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”
Do you remember your parents saying to you: “Listen to me. Listen to what I say!” Or better yet do you remember telling your children those very words? The instruction was given to obey, and it was expected and needed to be followed without questioning. A consequence would happen if the wisdom given was not heeded.
The HCSB states Proverbs 1:33 this way: “But whoever listens to me will live securely; and be free from the fear of danger.” The word “fear” stands out to me as the root of my problem in dealing with “bad news.”
The voice of wisdom, in Proverbs 1:33, is rooted in the fear of the Lord, from which is the ground from which wisdom can grow. Psalms 25:12 HCSB states: “Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will show him the way he should choose.”
Proverbs urges living out a life of integrity from our right relationship with our Lord. Making wise choices and anticipating Satan’s entrapments. Having shrewdness, discernment, and prudence activated from God’s Word embedded in our hearts and minds.
It states in Psalm 112:7, 8 ESV: “He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.”
That phrase, “not afraid of bad news.” The HCSB says “He will not fear bad news; his heart is confident, trusting in the LORD. His heart is assured; he will not fear. In the end he will look up in triumph on his foes.” Psalm 112:7, 8.
How do you do that – not be afraid and not have fear of bad news?
How do we remain steadfast and not be shaken when disaster level circumstances hit?
- Listen for the voice of the LORD. Ask Him to confide in you, as you read His Word. Psalm 25:14 NIV. Ask God to speak to you so that you will recognize His voice.
- Fact: Psalm 9:9: “The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” Put your trust in Him – nothing else – nobody else.
- Seek Him with all your heart. Hebrews 11:6 and Psalm 9:10.
- Trust God will do what He says.
- Have God confidence and not self-confidence.
I will never forget when I had just taught a Bible study to women at our church a couple of summers ago about this very content of verses – not being afraid of bad news. I drove home enjoying the songs sung by various Christian artists on my XM radio. I walked into the house. My husband was sitting at his desk and turned to me and said: “I have some bad news to tell you. You better sit down.” It was a blow. All I could do was bow my head and start praying out loud with my husband after he explained to me the facts of a sudden situation from a phone call he had received. The bad news was not easy to hear or have to experience. We were suddenly in a real life situation that vividly applied those very verses.
I don’t know that I ever will be an expert in handling calmly unfavorable news every time. I have often felt defeated upon receiving distressing news. But I do know, that these very verses have given me strength and courage in remembering that God is bigger than “this” – is what godly wisdom tells me and where my security is grounded.
Questions
- How do you hear God’s voice while reading God’s Word?
- What wisdom does God want you to know today? Don’t rush it. Ask and you shall find and receive.
Listen to Casting Crowns YouTube song, “I Will Praise You in This Storm.” May it encourage you today.