Find Rest in Our Divided World - Carla D Burnette
With all the instability, division and unrest in this world, we can be easily overwhelmed and begin to fear. But we don’t have to be anxious. The Bible offers a solution; it tells us how we can find rest in our divided world.
Proverbs 19:23 states, “The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble” (NIV).
Sounds simple doesn’t it? The key is maintaining a fear of the Lord. Let’s unpack this powerful verse. Before we do, let’s clarify that passages in the book of Proverbs are not promises, but are insights and guidelines King Solomon found to be true.
Fear of the Lord
First, what does it mean to fear the Lord? To fear the Lord is to revere Him; to be in awe of. Merriam Webster defines reverence as “a feeling or attitude of deep respect tinged with awe”. When we grasp who our God is and all that He has done for us, we can’t help but stand in awe of Him. Who is like our God? No one. He is all powerful, all knowing, yet compassionate and loving. He is our heavenly Father, Creator, Protector, Provider, Refuge, Rock, and Deliverer. These are just some of His attributes and names. What an awesome God!
Scripture provides further insight as to how we can fear the Lord. Deuteronomy 10:12 tells us, “what does the Lord your God ask of you except to fear the Lord your God by walking in all his ways, to love Him, and to worship the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul” (CSB).
To fear God is to live a life surrendered to His ways. This requires us to know His ways by reading and studying the Bible. In addition, we love God and desire to daily commune with Him as well as praise and worship Him. Daily fellowship with the Lord is key to maintaining our reverence of Him
Abundant Life
Second, fearing God leads to life. As Christians, our purpose in life is to live for Him and glorify Him. We are not aimlessly wandering through life. Also, we know that our future is secure with eternal life in heaven because we believe in Jesus.
“[Jesus] came that [we] may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10b ESV).
The Greek word for abundantly is “perissos” which means “superior in quality”. Our lives are rich and full here and for all eternity. We are blessed with every spiritual blessing through Christ (Ephesians 1:3). Plus, God provides our physical needs when we seek Him above all else (Matthew 6:33). What a good and generous God!
Rest Content
Third, as a result of fearing the Lord, we can rest content. We rest knowing that God Almighty is watching over us and has us in the palm of His hands, for we are His children (I John 3:1a).
Keeping our minds fixed on God and who He is enables us to rest content. This is another key to maintaining our reverence of the Lord.
When situations arise causing fear, worry or anxiety, go to the Lord. “Cast your burden on the LORD, and He will sustain you” (Psalm 55:22a ESV).
As we trust Him to bear our burden, remember His faithfulness in the past. (See my post on “Letting Go of Our Cares”).
Untouched by Trouble
Fourth, we are untouched by trouble when we fear the Lord. This doesn’t mean we won’t experience trouble in this life, but when we do, we can have peace in Jesus (John 16:33).
Psalm 121:7-8 says, “The Lord will protect you from all harm; He will protect your life. The Lord will protect your coming and going both now and forever” (CSB).
Anything that we face, God is right there with us and will help us through it. Whatever hardship we experience, our Sovereign Lord will use it for our good to develop Christlike character in us (Romans 8:28). Draw near to Him. Be still and know God is in control (Psalm 46:10a).
Another translation of Proverbs 19:23 proclaims, “When you live a life of abandoned love, surrendered before the awe of God, here’s what you’ll experience: Abundant life. Continual protection. And complete satisfaction!” (TPT).
WOW!! What a powerful verse! I am encouraged. How about you? I just want to praise Him, for God is so good to us. Let’s revere the Lord and not allow this world to distract our focus from Him. Then, we can find rest in our divided world.
Father, We stand in awe of You. You are omnipotent, yet how You care for us is astounding. We love You and honor You. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on You and not on the things of this world. May our lives bring You glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Comment below:
- What attribute/name of God means the most to you right now?
- Do you have a burden you need to cast upon the Lord?
Additional Scripture References:
Proverbs 14:26-27, “In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death” (ESV).
Psalm 103:13,17a, “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. But from eternity to eternity the Lord’s faithful love is toward those who fear Him” (CSB).
Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (CSB).
Colossians 3:1-3, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (ESV).
