The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.

Proverbs 19:23 (NIV)

Have you ever had one of those days, a “red-letter day”, when everything seems to go wrong? Haven’t we all had them during our lifetime? Maybe your child or spouse is danger-ously ill. Maybe it’s you who are sick. Maybe you or your loved one just got notice that a job is being terminated. Perhaps you’ve just lost a loved one. Our hearts seem to squeeze and ache at the pain that is caused.

But as children of God, we remember who is in control. I work with some children after school once a week, teaching them about the love and compassion of Jesus. We have recently talked about the sovereignty of God. He has supreme power and authority over all things, even the bad things that happen in our lives. He uses even bad things for His purpose.

So even in those “red letter days,” we know we are covered in His love and protection. Just fearing God and knowing that, gives us a sense of peace, of rest. And it’s not simply a naptime rest; it’s a satisfied rest. Our hearts are no longer squeezing uncomfortably, because we’ve trusted and given it all to Him. Thank you, Lord!

Prayer

Dear Sovereign Father, thank You for the plan You have for us. Help us to trust and rely on You always so that we might have the rest that only You can provide.

Daily Reading: Proverbs 15

– Contributed by Kathy Kollmeyer