But he who listens to me shall live securely and will be at ease from the dread of evil. Proverbs 1:33
Reassurance is the act of removing doubts and fears. Most people like reassurances. It comes in many forms. At times it’s the emotional reassurance of having a close relative or friend who walks with us in difficult times. It may be a legal document that spells out our rights or claims to anyone who needs to know. Another example is a simple receipt that we hang on to as proof of sale. All of these and many more offer some form of comfort that allow us to live, work, own, or exchange without fear of being harmed or cheated. However, when it comes to true reassurance, we look to our Sovereign Lord who is the ultimate authority in all matters of faith and life.
My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever. Psalm 121:2, 8
Reassurance starts with mature understanding and trust. We are encouraged throughout scripture to humbly present our concerns to our Heavenly Father because He cares for us desiring also that we rest in Him and accept His peace. However, a few common impediments to God’s reassurance are: being so obsessed with our concerns and dictating a proper resolution to God rather than quieting oneself before God to listen to what He may be trying to communicate; disliking the form of His reassurance; or refusal to release fears. In contrast, when we humbly present our concerns recognizing that our Creator God is our only source of true help; trusting that He is both near and ever vigilant; confident in His wisdom, power and sovereignty; and thankful for the outcome in advance, we are able quietly anticipate and listen for His reassurances in whatever form they come.
As mentioned in part one, I have been a bit apprehensive about driving so much lately as concerns and fears, both legitimate and imagined, have been weighing on me. Shortly after beginning the trip home from New England, God put Psalm 121 in front of me via my iPod. It is known as the traveler’s psalm as it reminds us that He is our source of protection and is always watching over us. While the message and the timing provided some amount of comfort it didn’t have the reassuring impact that it should have had as I was too focused on the risks associated with traveling rather than God’s well timed message. I just didn’t listen as closely as I should have. God gently and abruptly called challenged me in this regard at the end of the trip. As I was entering our town about three miles from home, a car chose to not only pass me, but also the car ahead of me. The impatient driver misjudged the oncoming traffic and nearly caused a four car accident. Thankfully, the other three motorists were all alert and we each slowed or stopped to avoid a collision. This reminder was gentle in that it came at the end of the trip and there was no accident; it was abrupt in that it was a very close call and punctuated God’s message that He was, in fact, most definitely watching over me. I knew better, but chose to dwell on my fears rather than God’s loving reassurance. I pray that I have learned that lesson.
In Proverbs 1:33 above, wisdom is speaking. As Christians we understand that true wisdom is from God; therefore, our ease comes from listening to our Lord. When we listen to God’s instruction, we mature in wisdom and faith as well as deepening our relationship with Him. We are put at ease, because we trust Him in all things. When we listen to His discipline and change our ways, we experience the peace that comes from a healthy relationship. We desire to follow His precepts not merely for the sake of blind obedience, but rather that we may enjoy an abundant life in His presence for eternity. When we listen to and accept His reassurances, we are at peace because it reminds us that we are not alone and He who has promised is faithfully protecting and sustaining us in every circumstance.