The Watchman's Diary

“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad” 

Proverbs 12:25

How do you respond in times of danger, when you get anxious, or where you are uncertain about what to do? Each of us respond differently to circumstances surrounding us and the response can make a very big difference. If you freeze in the middle of a stampede, you will get crushed. If you run when you should walk, or walk when you should run, you will suffer a consequence. If you seek shelter under a tree in a thunderstorm you may get struck by lightning. What we look to for protection is only effective if it is stronger that what we are hiding from. Do you look to God for your answers?

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10).  

There is safety for those who hide themselves in the Lord. Yet, those who do not believe will point to all the ills in the world and how “bad things happen to good people” as an argument against God’s promise of protection. But how would they know? It is the righteous who runs to the Lord continually. The unbeliever trusts in their own strength and resources but never fails to blame God when things don’t go their way. Jesus said, “in the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33). It is not that we will not encounter trouble, but that God is faithful to deliver us out of our troubles. Do you believe this, and do you run to the Lord in righteousness?

“The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his own esteem” (Proverbs 18:11)

Many of us look to our position, possessions, and economic status to shield us from what we fear. The obvious contrast is that the righteous person turns to God for protection while those who idolize wealth and power thinks their status will shield them from harm. They pat themselves on the back and say, “look at what my hands of built”, not realizing that “The LORD sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts (1 Samuel 2:7). Are you trusting in God’s provisions over your own?

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28)

To put our trust in anything or anyone but Jesus is worst that jumping out of an airplane mid-flight, without a parachute. He is the Strong Tower of God who keeps us safe and delivers us out of our troubles. He is our Shelter in the storms of life and the only One who can give us rest from the toils of life. He is our Strong City that no one can conquer or besiege. He protects us from the enemy without. They may surround it but has no strength to break through its defenses. He is the Rock from whom living waters flow to refresh us when the wells cave in and the streams evaporate. Have you put your trust in Jesus (Yeshua) as your Messiah?

The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in the times of trouble. And those who know Your name will put their Trust in You; For you, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You. 
(Psalm 9:9-10)

Do you believe in the promises of God? Do you believe that He is faithful to fulfill them in your life? Our unbelief does not diminish the power of God, and our anxieties do not prevent Him from delivering us out of our troubles. Do you turn to God when you feel anxious and burdened? Or do you try to fix the problems by yourself or with man-made resources only?

“Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!” 
(Psalm 107:8)