March 20, 2019 -- Proverbs 19:3 -- Empty raging or fulfilled peace

When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin,

his heart rages against the LORD.

Proverbs 19:3 ESV

It is the fool who says in his heart “there is no god”. So the foolish person lives suppressing the knowledge of God. It is that very same knowledge of God which once-in-awhile pricks his conscience and pushes against the periphery of his self-awareness—denying the very God he is fighting against. This very same foolish person will, as we all do, encounter life’s challenges and troubles and at that moment he will become furious with the very God he claimed doesn’t exist. He is angry because he knew all along God does exist. His heart rages because his folly has caught him out. He rages because he was caught out—the very God he knew all along existed, Whose creation has built-in consequences and outcomes, this God has proven His Word true and the foolish man feels resentment and spite towards God.

A bit later in this very chapter of Proverbs one reads: “The fear of the LORD leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm” (verse 23). A man who fears the LORD lives desiring to please the LORD, he does not want any of his actions to betray that love he has for God. When troubles come, as they do to all people, it will not harm his faith in God or shake his relationship with Him. God reassures us: “we know that for those who love God all things work together for good” (Romans 8:28 ESV). This means health and sickness, plenty or poverty, war and peace, disaster and calm, all circumstances, life and death even, God works all things together for the good of those who love Him. His goodness will shine through no matter what. The fool rages because he is living, trying to deny this. The wise man looks to God and like a child who sticks up his hand to his father is confident that his father will take his hand and bring him through whatever a blustery storm threatens.

Even here, at the point of the fool’s raging, God shows His mercy. Jesus invites him: “Come to Me all you who are weary and burdened (who are raging and getting spent) and I will give you rest.” Jesus extends His hand, the hand that stilled the water and quieted storms, and says find peace in Me. What a glorious invitation. If you want to know how to walk in such peace, find a Christian whose walk with God you respect and admire and ask him about Jesus. If you need the raging to stop, speak with a Christian who you know and ask her to lead you to Jesus.

With the prophet Jeremiah and the long-ago hymn-writer we declare to You: Great is Your faithfulness, O God my Father. Thank You for giving to us Jesus Christ, the Rock of our Salvation and our Shield in every storm. Thank You, Spirit of the Living God, for making the truth of scripture white hot to our hearts as “yes” and “amen” on every page. Giver of Every Good Gift, we pray for our dear friends and family members who are raging against You and needing You more than ever. Help them to find their heart’s home in You. Give to us, who love You and trust in You, hearts that are sensitive enough to discern when a weary loved one needs to meet with You, Jesus. Thank You for the gift of this day. Thank You, Faithful God, for every reminder of Your nearness in Jesus’ Name. Amen.