Sleeping Well With Wisdom

In my Bible, chapter 3 of Proverbs is titled, “Guidance for the Young”.  The titles that we find in our Bibles are not part of God’s original word.  They are not inspired but they are often correctly applied.  What we’ve been seeing in chapter 3 are things that the young should take to heart…and even some of us “old” could benefit as well.  Let’s read verses 21-26:

My son, let them not depart from your eyes—
Keep sound wisdom and discretion;  22 So they will be life to your soul
And grace to your neck.  23 Then you will walk safely in your way,
And your foot will not stumble.  24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.  25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror, 
Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;  26 For the Lord will be your confidence,
And will keep your foot from being caught.

I’d like to focus this morning on verses 23-26.  We are told that if we keep sound wisdom and discretion that we will be able to walk safely and our foot will not stumble.  We are told that when we lie down our sleep will be sweet.  Do you sleep well?  I know that some people have physical challenges which keep them from sleeping well, but many others do not sleep well because of stress or anxiety.  That’s not God’s plan for His people.  Living in the power of wisdom and discretion helps to keep us able to sleep at night.  We have nothing to fear.  Sure, trouble from the wicked will come.  We are reminded of that in verse 25, but our confidence can be in the Lord who will not let us down, and who will keep our foot from being caught.

If you are filled with anxiety and stress, could it be that you are far from God?  I suggest that you walk close to the Lord and I think you will be pleasantly surprised as to the peace that will be yours.

In Wisdom,
Eric