0 The Freedom of Wisdom and Discretion

This morning in my reading I ran across the following in Proverbs chapter 3:

21 My son, do not lose sight of these-- keep sound wisdom and discretion, 22 and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. 23 Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. 24 If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. 25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, 26 for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught. (Proverbs 3:21-26 ESV)

What wonderful words of comfort these are, as we seek God's guidance through His appointed means - in His Word, we find instruction for our souls; in prayer, we find reliance and dependence as our hearts are attuned to seeking our Father's hand; in worship through the simple means of the preached Word and the Sacraments we are blessed. God promises to communicate to us and with us in these means, and to guide us and sanctify us as we walk in them. Thus fearing God, and seeking His ways, we shall keep sound wisdom and discretion - and in them shall be life, security and peace. It's a simple life, as we look to God for everything and seek to follow Him. We needn't fear, as God is with us and has covenanted with us to be our Rock and Fortress, our Beginning and End. There's no need for fear, for the only one who needs to fear being caught in the terror of the wicked are those who cast off God's bonds and seek to live autonomously, serving themselves rather than God. As we walk in the steps set forth for us, there is absolutely no danger that can overcome us, for we are His sheep. In Him we are FREE.