In our everyday lives, danger or troubles can come in many forms—temptations, disappointments, or even physical threats. The Bible reminds us that wise, godly people are not clueless about these dangers. They see the warning signs and they run to God for refuge. When Proverbs 22:3 says, “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself,” it shows us that being “prudent” or wise involves looking carefully at what is happening around us and being prepared.
Many years ago, Marjorie was the victim of an attempted carjacking in Riverside. Two bad guys jumped into her car at a red light and tried to force her to give them her vehicle. She was so terrified that she could only say, “Feathers, feathers, feathers!” Over and over. The guys must have thought they had stumbled upon a nut case because they abandoned the attempt and fled the scene. But here are the verses that Marjorie later told us were going through her mind at the time.
He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart. (Psalm 91:4)
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed. (Psalm 57:1 BSB)
The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences. (Proverbs 22:3 BSB)
The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. (Proverbs 27:12 BSB)
The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. (Proverbs 28:1 BSB)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:7 BSB)
Even though Marjorie was scared, here experience shows us some practical ways we can find refuge in God:
- Seeing and Understanding (Proverbs 22:3)
- The Hebrew word for “see” is ra’ah (רָאָה), which means “to look at” or “to perceive.” A wise person uses spiritual discernment to see what is going on. Instead of pretending everything is fine, the prudent person admits that trouble is near and acts responsibly.
- Taking Shelter in God (Psalm 57:1)
- When King David was in distress, he prayed, “Have mercy on me, O God… I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings.” This highlights the idea of sathar (סָתַר), which means “to hide” or “to be concealed.” We don’t hide in fear; we hide in faith, trusting that God is our strong tower and safe refuge (Proverbs 18:10).
- Preparing Spiritually
- Just as Noah built the ark before the flood, and the Israelites stayed inside their homes during the Passover in Egypt, we too should prepare ourselves spiritually. We do this through prayer, reading God’s Word, and seeking His guidance.
- Bold as a Lion (Proverbs 28:1)
- When we trust God and walk in righteousness, we can stand firm, just like a lion. Our courage does not come from our own strength but from knowing that God goes before us. We do not panic like the wicked, who run when no one chases them. Instead, we find confidence in our Lord.
- Practical Steps
- Pray Daily: Spend time in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you and give you wisdom.
- Read Scripture: Learn from God’s Word. It teaches us how to live and respond when challenges arise.
- Seek Godly Counsel: Talk to fellow believers or mentors who can offer guidance and help you see potential pitfalls.
- Act in Faith: Move forward boldly, trusting God will protect you when trouble comes.
Thank You for being our refuge and strength. Teach us to be wise and watchful, recognizing danger and turning to You for safety. Help us grow in faith and courage, standing boldly for You in a troubled world. Keep us under the shelter of Your wings, and guide our steps each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Remember, God doesn’t want us to live in fear. He wants us to remain alert and prepared, leaning on His power and presence. Whenever trouble appears on the horizon, may we, like David, find safety beneath the shadow of His wings.
- Two pathways to hope (one is a cheat code for life) – The pathways to hope don’t have to be through hardship and tribulation if we learn from the footsteps of those who have gone before us.
- God has promised to deliver you – No matter the pain, God has promised to deliver you. He may not deliver you out of the trial, but he will definitely deliver you through the struggle.
- Christians are hidden with Christ in God (the triple-protection guarantee) – Christians are hidden with Christ in God, doubly protected, with a different life from the world, that will be revealed with Christ.
- A hedge of protection from God – Discover God’s hedge of protection for guidance and care in your life that is so strong even Satan cannot cross it.
- Does my help come from the hills? – Does my help come from the hills? Even better the Bible says your protection comes from the God of creation himself, who never slumbers or sleeps.