Scripture Reference: – Proverbs 3:23-26
“Then you will walk on your way securely and your foot will not stumble. If you lie down you will not be afraid. When you lie down your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden terror, or of the ruin of the wicked when it comes. FOR THE LORD WILL BE YOUR CONFIDENCE and will keep your foot from being caught.”
Today's proverb is a powerful one, with Solomon exhorting his son, and you and me, to pursue the Lord. He's talking about the righteous life when we are walking and pursuing God. When we do this, we will not be stumbling toward evil. We're pursuing Him. As a result, when we lie down we have no reason to fear. I’ve always thought it a great blessing that when believers are walking with the Lord in faith and obedience, they can lay their head on the pillow at night, and enjoy that sweet sleep granted us by the Lord.
So many of my incarcerated friends in Christ have shared with me that when God is first in their life, they feel on any given day that when they have tried to represent themselves as God’s servant and Ambassador, they get a full night’s rest in the Lord. They go to bed at night without fear of what the next day may bring.
A Quick Look At The Text
According to this verse our security rests with the Lord. He will protect us. No one will be able to trap us. When we trusted in Jesus as our Savior, we became God's children and His friends, but we also became targets of the Devil and the unregenerate world. The world hates us and opposes us, but we should not be surprised or dismayed (John 15:18-21).
The last several verses have emphasized the peace of mind which comes to those who follow godly wisdom and discretion. While our actions cannot save us (Ephesians 2:8-9), they do reflect our beliefs (James 2:18-20). Acting in accordance with godliness not only keeps us from risks of sinful behavior (Proverbs 2:21-24), but it enhances our reassurance that God is by our side (Hebrews 11:3-13).
"While our actions cannot save us... they do reflect our beliefs" ~ GH
Jesus predicted that we would have tribulation in the world, but He assured us He has overcome the world (John 16:33). The apostle Paul also predicted we would face opposition because of our commitment to lead a godly life. He wrote: “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus WILL be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12), but he also addressed believers as “more than conquerors through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37). The apostle John, too, noted that we are overcomers because of our faith in Jesus as the Son of God (1 John 5:5).
Some think self-confidence is great, but confidence in the LORD is greater. For what will you do when self is tired, weak, discouraged, dying, or facing impossible adversity? Some think self-defense is good, but the LORD’s defense is much better. The bravest and securest men in human history were those who put their trust in the LORD.
The context declared the LORD’s use of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge, and the benefits men obtain by having them as well (Proverbs 3:19-22). Solomon then taught the security and peace that these blessings bring to those retaining them (Proverbs 3:23-25). In spite of what is happening in the world, those who put their trust in the LORD will be safe and saved. In fact, they can sweetly sleep when others are panicking and in trouble (Psalm 4:8).
Walking in the fear of the LORD with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge gives a man total confidence and safety (Proverbs 14:26). He fears nothing! “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though a host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident” (Psalm 27:1-3).
David thought the men of Israel should have lined up for a chance to fight Goliath (1 Samuel 17:29). Three Hebrew men had no regard for the fury or threats of Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 3:16-18). Peter and John boldly testified against the same Jews who crucified their Lord (Acts 4:13). And Paul stood alone to give an answer before Emperor Nero (11 Timothy 4:16-18).
The horse is prepared and trained for battle, but safety is of the LORD .
(Proverbs 21:31).
A wise man makes only a reasonable effort, for he knows that success is from the LORD (Psalm 127:1). He does not fret or overextend himself, and he goes to bed on time (Psalm 127:2). He puts his trust in the name of the LORD, his strong tower (Proverbs 18:10).
But what about the unseen pestilence or disease frightening others? “Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked” (Psalm 91:5-8).
But what about economic disasters? “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation” (Habakkuk 3:17-18).
No matter what difficulty or threat is facing you, be confident the LORD will deliver and save you. Do not faint, but rather believe! Go forward in faith! Do what you need to do, then go to bed! “I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD” (Psalm 27:13-14).
Christian, your blessed Lord slept during a terrible storm (Mark 4:37-38). He could enjoy supper and serving others just hours before his betrayal and crucifixion (John 13:1-5). This same Jesus promised, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrewa 13:5). What is the result? “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Hebrews 13:6). Saints go to sleep by saying, “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8). Amen.
Final Thought
These verses conclude a short section from father to son about how life can be — when we’re connected to wisdom, understanding, sound judgment and discretion (:21). Admittedly, there’s some question as to whether these bad things are happening to or coming from “the wicked.” But verse 25 is very clear that we won’t need to be concerned!
Together, these verses offer a compelling promise of safety — mental (“have no fear”) and physical (“the LORD…will keep your foot from being snared”) — when “sudden disaster or…ruin” shows up. We can be certain about this because “the LORD will be at your side.”
As the Apostle Paul wrote, “If God be for us, who can be against us” (Romans 8:31).
So, if all this is true — I must be bullet-proof!... Well, not exactly!
While I don’t need to have any fear — that doesn’t mean I won’t. I’ll have to CHOOSE to trust Him!
And He will keep my foot from any trap — as long as I don’t jump out there on my own best thinking and get caught up!
God really does have everything under control! In His wisdom, He’s given us all authentic freedom of choice — with each choice bringing its own consistent and inevitable benefits or consequences.
No fear… safe steps… every day! My choice!
What gives us sweet sleep in life? God has revealed that it is not a pill or some secret meditation or calming that is self-taught and self-empowered. Instead it is the wisdom of God infusing the soul. It is God’s Word in meditation and contemplation, giving us God’s perspective as well as keeping us in His way.
There is no source that can rival a peace one has from Him. It is a peace that cannot be taken away by earthly powers. It is the kind of peace that allows us to sleep sweetly in the arms of His love because we know He watches over us. We sleep sweetly because we know that even death itself cannot separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus. Such confidence breeds contentment. Such contentment breeds peace. Such peace results in sweet sleep.
Thank you O Lord that we can go to bed every night knowing that our safety and security rests solely in you. May our confidence in you increase each day as we crucify our pride and arrogance, knowing that trusting in you will always keep us from stumbling. For Christ’s sake we pray, Amen.
From: Fight the Good Fight of Faith / Life Journal; By Gregg Harris
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