Megan Evans, Women’s Ministry Director, LHBC
Proverbs 28:1
The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions
Peace of Mind. Confidence. Assurance. The world desperately seeks these and comes up short, yet followers of Christ can enjoy these every day and can boldly live without fear. Do you live with boldness of lions?
Lions are known as the king of the Jungle, yet ironically, they roam in scrubland, grasslands and savannahs, rather than lush camouflaged jungles. A lion’s roar can be majestic and paralyzing, but partly because it is rare; lions sleep almost 20 hours per day! I recently visited the zoo with my children and while it was amazing to view these intimidating creatures, they were completely boring! They did nothing but peacefully sleep and bask in the sun.
REST
When we trust in God, we grow more and more bold in His power and strength, and we fear less and less. We can peacefully rest, regardless of our circumstances and surroundings, because He is El Shaddai; He is Almighty God (Psalm 91). He is our refuge, strength, and provision. God’s power is at work in us and through us.
ROAR
When we speak the Gospel, God’s Spirit roars! Romans 1:16 says, “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work saving everyone who believes…” And we can live fearlessly, and unashamed because our identity is in Jesus Christ our Savior and our Redeemer. We can stop striving and proving ourself to the world. Our God is El ELyon; He is the Most High God (Genesis 14:19-20).
ROAM
Just as it would be senseless for a lion to live cowered and roaming in fear, we too should hold our head high. As a follower of Christ, we can be confident in the blessed assurance of our salvation and the power of God’s Holy Spirit whom dwells within us. 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
We have to attack temptation and sin head-on so we don’t cower to it. Proverbs 28:1 reminds us of the burden of sin and how it robs us of the peace of mind that God wants to bless us with. Believers are not meant to live on the run, always checking over their shoulder, and covering tracks in fear of being caught. There is freedom from guilt and shame in Jesus. There is rest in righteousness, and peace can be restored through forgiveness and a repentant heart.
We don’t have to cower to temptation, because we belong to God. Romans 8:15 promises us, “So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, ‘Abba, Father.’ ” Though sin is our daily human battle, we can let the power of redemption roar into our life every day. We can live with peace of mind, confidence, and assurance each day. We can rest, roam, and roar in God’s power—choose to live with the boldness of lions today!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father God, thank you for the peace it brings me to be washed clean in your love and to live in your strength and power. Reveal to me any area of sin that I need to repent of, and ask your forgiveness of today. May I live boldly for you in my words and choices. In Jesus Name, Amen.
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Micah 6:8
He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?