Live Securely [Day 13]

By Heather Lewis

“But whoever listens to me will live securely and be undisturbed by the dread of danger.” (Proverbs 1:33 CSB)

This past January, I challenged myself to read the Bible in a year as one of my 2020 goals. This challenge was something I attempted many times in the years past but never successfully completed. Little did I know that with all that would be happening in 2020, the Bible was exactly what I needed to pour my time and energy into.

In the middle of March, right when all the news was coming out about the COVID-19 deaths skyrocketing, restaurants and public services closing, and stay-at-home orders enforced, I found myself in a state of panic. My immediate reactions to these announcements were filled with anxious thoughts, insecurity, and dread for what will happen next. I brought these raw emotions to my newly-created quiet time routine and opened up my Bible to my reading plan… and I read this verse:

“But whoever listens to me will live securely and be undisturbed by the dread of danger.”

For the first time in a couple weeks, I felt like I could exhale and let go of the anxiety and fear I was storing up inside me. Immediately, I was comforted by knowing why God wanted me to read the Bible in a year in 2020—a year already filled with so much brokenness, disruption, and unknown. He knew I needed to find constant reminders that His word is alive and present during this time.

In the last couple months, how many times have you felt alone? Anxious? Fearful? Whatever you are feeling during this time, God is with you and wants to speak to you.

When you are feeling anxious and need security, listen to God. The easiest way I have learned to listen to Him, personally, is through reading Scripture. Whether it is with a Bible reading plan or something else, push yourself to find His comforting voice and solid encouragement in the Bible. It is there in hundreds of passages: you just have to open your heart to listen for them.

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for reminding us that Your words are a light to our path. Thank You for speaking to us and sharing encouragement about how we, as Your children, can live securely and not be disturbed by the dread of COVID-19. Open our eyes and our ears to listen to You and see You during this time. We love You, Jesus. Amen.