This week's Theme: You Guide Me With Your Counsel
Day 1: Behind and Before
I have a dog-bite or two in my past. Even though growing up in a village you learn quickly how to navigate parts of the neighborhood with "bad dogs", most people have a run-in with one sooner or later.
I did not fare too well with the run-ins—once I was bitten on the leg, and another time I was terribly scratched by a dog that was trying his best to eat me for dessert. As a result, for my entire life I have carried a low-grade fear and anxiety around most dogs. This chicken habitually crosses the road while out on neighborhood walks to avoid getting too close to dogs.
I have learned the areas where dogs bark when anyone even as much as skirt the perimeter of their fence, and I am intentional about ensuring I am on the other side of the street when I go by. But not long ago, I didn't exercise my usual vigilance, and suddenly, almost out of nowhere, this massive dog followed me the length of the sidewalk furiously protesting my proximity to his territory.
I froze. For a split second an involuntary shudder issued from the "dog-fears" buried deep within, but I quickly collected myself as I looked at the "friendly fence" that separated me from "the monster".
Ah, fences! Scripture is full of them. But I must be careful that I don't take them for granted, or underestimate their value. For unlike my neighborhood dogs—who despite my fears might actually be sweet and gentle pets—our adversary, the enemy of our soul is out to steal, and kill, and destroy (John 10:10). The warning is clear and stark:
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).
We have seen in the life of the pure and perfect Lord Jesus that enemy attack and assault does not have to be provoked. But Scripture also gives us responsibility for remaining sober and vigilant (NKJV).
"Resist [the enemy]" the apostle Peter tells us, "standing firm in the faith" (1 Peter 5:9). I know that I can only do that with a power greater than my own—the power of God and the written word. The particular and profound wisdom, prudence, and insights in the Book of Proverbs provide protection and defense in every area of life.
I think of the psalmist's prayer, You hem me in behind and before, and You lay Your hand upon me (Psalm 139:5). And I seek to learn to depend on all the "friendly fences" God provides— lest, meandering in oblivion, I wander too close to enemy territory.
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