Keep Listening

Read Proverbs 1

All who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.

Proverbs 1:33

Who among us would not desire a life of peace and safety, one without fear of harm? Is it true that to have that, all we must do is listen to God? Is it reasonable to conclude that if we are not experiencing peace and safety, if we are living with fear, we are not listening to God? Can it really be that simple? If so, how then should we interpret James 1:2, which says, “When troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy”? And what about 1 Peter 1:6, which says, “There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while”? Trouble? Trials? Peace? Safety? How can all these come in the same package?

It is important to note that the passages in James and 1 Peter go on to say that trials produce perseverance and maturity and that suffering proves our faith. Through the eyes of a mature faith, we can begin to realize that in the midst of the temporary turmoil and strife of this life, we can know God’s eternal peace and safety. We need not be concerned about harm that may come to these earthly bodies of ours, because we know what God ultimately has in store for us.

A WORD FOR TODAY

Wisdom yields good results.

Today, Lord, may I welcome with praise whatever comes my way, because I know you will use these circumstances to make me into what you want me to be.