Proverbs 28

At the beginning of this chapter was an interesting proverb dealing with fear: “The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” (vs 1) Those who don’t know God (or choose to go their own way despite knowing Him) live in a perpetual state of fear and anxiety. Those who do know God stand their ground no matter what.

Obviously, we probably don’t fall into either one of these descriptions all the time. Since we’re all works in progress, I believe we vacillate back and forth between fear and faith. I know I do—although I think the “faith” times are starting to outweigh the “fear” times.

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear.” That’s what John wrote in 1 John 4:18. There is only one source of perfect love in the universe, and that is God. He is the one who casts out fear. The more we know Him, the more at peace we can be, even when we’re staring down life’s problems. The less we know Him, the more we will live and act out of fear, insecure about what may be waiting around every corner.

Even Jesus faced times when He had to choose between fear and faith. On the cross, when it looked like everything was coming to an end, He said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Lk 23:46) Based on all the previous evidence from His life, He trusted that His Father would take care of Him.

The more we remember all that God has done in working out His plan in our lives, the more we can be “bold as a lion.” For God is perfect love, and He banishes fear. When we walk with Him, we truly don’t have to be afraid of anything.