Daily Bible Study

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Day 238 Proverbs 22:3 Proverbs 22:3 A prudent man foresees the evil, and hides himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished. 4 By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honor, and life. 5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward (perverse): he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them. There are a lot of doomsayers ready to tell you the world is ending and you need to be watchful and aware because everything that happens spells the end. Then there are those who see what is happening in the world, knows the source of all the trouble, and prepares him or herself, not by building bomb shelters and stocking up for a lifetime underground, but by spending time in prayer and Bible study, getting to know God’s heart. When you know God’s heart, what is happening in the world will not alarm you. Solomon was a prudent man. With wisdom given to him by God, he could see what was happening in the world, and did his best to keep peace in his kingdom, which he succeeded in, as his reign was known as a peaceful reign. Not a single war took place during his reign. Yet there were wars taking place in the countries around him. Just because there are wars and rumors of wars, does not mean you need to fear for your lives. Solomon said people who see the evil in the world hide themselves. How do they do that? Psalm 91:1 He that dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. 5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flies by day; 6 Nor for the pestilence that walks in darkness; nor for the destruction that wastes at noonday. 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. 8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. 9 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the Most High, thy habitation; 10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. 11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. 13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. 14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation. God is your refuge and strength. Satan will always find a way to bring trouble in people’s lives. He does not need to bring trouble in yours. When you spend time in God’s presence, you will see what is happening in the world and you can prepare yourself for it. God calls his people to be prepared for Satan’s attacks, and the only way to be prepared is to have your armor on so you can withstand Satan’s attacks. Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. God does not call his people to hide their heads in the sand. Ignorant people will find themselves unprepared for the battle and will suffer the consequences of it. Doomsayers don’t have their armor on. They have not prepared themselves for the battle, their sole intention is to put fear in your lives so you will act in a rash manner. If all you do every day is listen to the news, you will be afraid of everything. Doomsayers want you to be afraid. They want you to run for your lives, building bomb shelters and stocking up for a lifetime in case something happens. Something will happen. However, you do not need to be fearful, but prayerful. When you are, God will bless your life with riches and honor, and you will avoid the snares and traps Satan has laid for you. Let’s pray: Father, help me discern the times, not by what doomsayers say, but by what your Word says. Help me trust you to keep me safe when Satan tries to destroy my life. Help me see the traps he has laid for me, and know I am safe in your arms. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen. Copyright © 5 May 2017 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay