Proverbs 19:23 says, “The fear of the Lord leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.”
As times change, often the accepted meaning of a word changes. It is so in the use of the word ‘fear’, here and in many places in the old testament when it is used speaking of our relationship with God.
To us today, fear means anxiety, or worry, or the desire to get away from something or someone. But to the Old Testament writers, ‘fear of the Lord’ meant “Reverential Trust – including the hatred of evil.”
So as we read this verse again it says, “Reverential Trust leads to life.” And so it does.
When we trust that the Bible contains, and is the Word of God. When we trust that the Word is Jesus Christ, and that when we take Him into our spirit, soul, and body, we are receiving divine life; and we shall rest content.
As the Holy Spirit gave the following words to John to write down, they tell us: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.” John 1: 1-4
When we trust that Jesus is the light of mankind, and that through Him all things were made, and that without Him nothing was made, we know where to go if trouble tries to come our way. We will rest content, because we know we shall walk through it, and ultimately be untouched by it regardless of how it may look as it tries to come upon us, if we are walking in Him.
Trust leads to life. Life in the here, and now. Life in the everlasting.
One of my dearest, most highly blessed friends says he and his family live by these words: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3: 5-6
Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me.” John 14:1
Let us have Reverential Trust in Him. As we do, we shall rest content, untouched by trouble. As someone said, “Trouble may come knocking on our door. But when Jesus goes to answer, and opens the door, there is no one there.”
Be blessed in all good things, God’s Beloveds. May you prosper in perfect health; body, soul, and spirit; and in all good things you put your hearts and hands to. Trust His Divine presence in you.
I love you. May you be encouraged, strengthened, and comforted by the truth of the Word.
Poppa B.
Abundant Life Christian Fellowship, On Line