Better To Have Little With Fear Of The Lord Than To Have Great Tressure And Inner Turmoil
Take Your Thoughts Captive
PROVERBS 15:15-19
“All the days of the afflicted are evil, But he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast. Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, Than great treasure with trouble. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, Than a fatted calf with hatred. A wrathful man stirs up strife, But he who is slow to anger allays contention. The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, But the way of the upright is a highway.
”Proverbs 15:15-19 NKJV
We cannot always choose what happens to us, but we can choose our attitude toward each situation.
Paul tells us the secret to a happy heart is to fix our thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right , and pure, and lovely, and admirable. He says, “Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise (PHILIPPIANS 4:8).”
This was Paul’s secret to remain positive and joyful as he suffered persecution, imprisonment and every trial and challenge he faced.
His consistent joyful attitude, gave him peace of mind and brought many of his persecutors to Christ.
His secret to contentment and peace of mind can be yours too, to help you as you face the struggles of daily living.
Examine your attitudes and then look at what you allow to enter your mind and the things you choose to dwell on.
Particularly the content of books, films, and of the media. The devil uses them to infiltrate one’s mind with his lies.
You may well find a real need for change, to give up worldly music and films and such as these, as to not be conformed to the things of this world, but rather be transformed by the renewing of the mind, that you become to understand what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (ROMANS 12:1-2).
The path of the upright is not always the easiest path (15:19), but look at the alternatives, hatred (15:17), dissension (15:18), and laziness (15:19) that bring problems that the upright person never have to face.
By comparison, his or her life is a smooth level road because it is built on the solid foundation of God’s love.
The devil is a liar (JOHN 8:44), and he is quick to speak into your emotions with little whispers that add fuel to the fire you are in.
He operates like the fake news media today, attacking one’s emotions, pushing his lies that bring emotional blackmail, fear, anger, rage or justification of sin.
Therefore, what ever the situation, take these thoughts captive and bring them to the obedience of Christ (2 CORINTHIANS 10:5).
Give it all to Christ and trust Him for the ultimate outcome, “And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.””
Deuteronomy 31:8 NKJV
My beloved, whatever the storm, like Peter, you can rise above it and place it under your feet; and even if it gets too overwhelming, Jesus is right there at arms length to take your hand and lead you to safety, and then ultimately calm the storm (MATHEW 14:22-33).
My beloved, whatever testing you face, whatever the devil brings your way, God is merciful. For “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”
I Corinthians 10:13 NKJV
It is important to understand that our troubles and testings come with purpose that ultimately build our faith and change the way we think and deal with the issues of life. Nothing the devil throws at us is more than we can stand.
James said, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
James 1:2-4 NKJV
Therefore, my beloved, give thanks to the Lord, for He is doing a wonderful work within you, “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;”
Philippians 1:6 NKJV
Furthermore, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
James 1:5-8 NKJV
My beloved, “Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, Than great treasure with trouble. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, Than a fatted calf with hatred. A wrathful man stirs up strife, But he who is slow to anger allays contention. The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, But the way of the upright is a highway.”
Proverbs 15:16-19 NKJV
Finally my brethren, I give you the good advice of the apostle Paul. “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:4-7 NKJV
All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
