“The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.” — Proverbs 28:1
Do you read the news? There is certainly a lot out there to cause worry and fear in my heart. So much is going on — from political unrest to droughts (and now flooding), shootings, economic news (inflation, the banking crisis, or interest rates), wars, rumors of wars, increasing wickedness, the love of many growing cold, etc. All that is happening locally, nationally, and globally naturally fills us with worry and fear.
That is why I love the above verse. The first part talks about the fear felt by people who are hostile to God, the wicked. Because they don’t know God, they fear the future. They aren’t right with God. And their conscience condemns them.
By contrast, the verse speaks about the courage of the people who know and obey God. The righteous – that’s you, Christian! You are righteous by the blood of the Lamb. Our positional and personal righteousness also gives us boldness in life, like a lion.
People of Courage
Therefore, we can read the news with courage because the righteous are right with God. They know Him. The righteous understand what happens when they die. Their consciences don’t torment them. Indeed, the righteous see the One who holds the future.
The Bible is full of verses that speak about courage: Proverbs 31:25, Joshua 1:9, 2 Timothy 1:7, Psalm 27:14, John 16:33, & 1 Corinthians 16:13
Men and women, where is God calling you to be as bold as a lion? Is it loving your spouse? Training and teaching your children? Perhaps not fearing what people think of you? Saying no to temptation? Sharing the Gospel with a co-worker/classmate? Confronting evil? Trusting God in the middle of a discouraging trial?
Church, these are worrisome and fearful times. However, as God’s children, we can be people of courage. Because of what God has done for us, we can be as bold as lions! Our state, country, and world definitely need more believers living as bold as lions.
Posted in A Word from the Pastor