Worry, Fear, and Knowing God
February 2008
3 CommentsWhen this post was written: First child (D) was 4 yrs, 7 mo. Second child (B) was 3 yrs, 1 mo. Third child (L) was 1 yrs, 3 mo.
Like many parents, I find myself worrying from time to time. As I was reading Proverbs this week, I was reminded about one of the amazing results of wisdom: freedom from worry.
My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:
So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.
Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.
When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.
For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.Proverbs 3:21-26
Solomon doesn’t seem to promise those who are wise will be free from heartache, but rather, that those who are wise will be able to put it in perspective. I notice also that there is some fear that’s gone, but some fear that we’re commanded to put away. I wonder if that’s the difference between worry (the fear at night) and the emotion fear (which isn’t sinful in itself, but can be if we dwell on it). Either way, being able to reduce worry and fear in my life is an incredible benefit of wisdom.
Isn’t that enough to drive me to the Word of God? Not always, but this week it has been. I’m reminded of Jesus’ response to his disciples when they came clamoring to be saved during a storm at sea: Why are you so fearful, you of little faith? (Matthew 8:26) Where does the faith come from, that prevents our fear? From God’s Word. Paul says faith comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). Again, we are driven to the need for resetting our thinking, aligning it with God’s thoughts. When we learn of God’s faithfulness and love, we are able to look at fearful circumstances and maintain our trust in God. Read Isaiah 41. It’s rich with imagery and truth about who our God is.
But wisdom… is about obeying the Word of God, right? How does this passage translate into action on my part?
Knowing God challenges me to stop worry, to rest in his promises that the future is in his hands. To know that his loving kindness is more than sufficient for me and those I love who are troubled.
No wonder God told us, Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee (Isaiah 26:3).
Deidra posts some thoughts along these lines, too. Anyone else want to share how Scripture is changing you for Wisdom Wednesday?
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Thank you for the reminder that the result of wisdom is freedom from worry! What a great thing to think about. Even though God has given us the wisdom to know that He is in control, do I always use it?? Unfortunately not. I need to be a doer of His word in this area.
I loved Isaiah 26:3. I will write that down today and pray on it! God’s perfect peace is just what I crave. Especially in parenting.
1 Deidra said this (February 13, 2008 at 2:38 pm)
Thanks for your commnts, Deidra. I don’t always use the store of wisdom God has for me in his Word, either, but life goes better when I follow God’s Ways!
2 Michelle said this (February 14, 2008 at 7:00 am)
Kelly didn’t post here, but I will for her. Herhttp://goforthandshine.blogspot.com/2008/02/would-have-could-have-should-have.html>Wisdom Wednesday post is up. Go easy on Kelly, she’s having a baby on Monday. 
Here is the website while I figure out how to do hyperlinks: http://goforthandshine.blogspot.com
3 Michelle said this (February 15, 2008 at 9:02 am)