The Weekly Epistle 4/21/21

“Courage is knowing what not to fear” is a quote attributed to Plato. I would lean more towards saying that wisdom is knowing what not to fear. In Psalm 37, David wrote what is categorized as a wisdom psalm in response to fear of evil and violent people. His first piece of advice was simply to not fear them. Why not? Well for starters, wicked people will “fade like the grass”, which calls to mind the mortality of the wicked (verse 2). That bit of wisdom may help someone to hold on until the bad people have moved on; but it isn’t exactly encouraging for life in the moment. 

In verses 3-8 David continued to list several ways those living in the presence of God are free to live in response to fear; he says “Trust in the Lord and do good, dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture, delight yourself in the Lord, commit your way to the Lord, be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him to act, refrain from anger, forsake wrath, and twice he says to fret not yourself.” This call to be active in life may seem impossible to someone paralyzed by fear of danger, in fact it’s the exact opposite of their desire to hide away. However, it’s only by trust exemplified in both action and solitude that God’s goodness will become apparent in fearful situations. 

For those who are in Christ, they have been given strength by the Holy Spirit to carry out their calling in the face of fear because of the living and lasting hope that has so graciously been given to them in Jesus Christ. While the plans and actions of evil people can appear unimpeded, it’s important to remember David’s temporal perspective but also his eternal encouragement of God’s faithfulness when he says “the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble (verse 39)”. 
Peter later reminded us of this when he wrote “Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”(1 Peter 4:19). We can know that evil and violent people are not to be feared because though they may harm the body they cannot harm the soul. For those in Christ their souls and eternal security are untouchable from evil schemes. This promise frees us to live abundant lives; therefore, let this piece of wisdom be an encouragement, we know what not to fear. 
Thanks to Adam Hayes for this great reminder!  
 
Blessings to you, Pastor Brian