So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10.

But now, this is what the Lord says – He who created you, Jacob, He who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine.” Isaiah 43:1.

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42.

Creator God – Father…Son…Spirit…will uphold us and redeem us and not take away the most important thing – our relationship with Him in His love for us. And as we begin our journey with Him borne out of great need, we learn what trust is. Trust for our God who will never leave us and will guide us forward into His truth. Ask. Seek. Be open to what He has for you and don’t fear. As we keep our eyes on Him, the confusion of this world without Him loses its hold, and we are strengthened in Him. God’s Kingdom is real and we can trust Him.

And in our chapter, Proverbs 18, Solomon continues warning his son about the hazards of this world so he can choose wisely. An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends and against all sound judgment starts quarrels…Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions…When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes reproach…It is not good to be partial to the wicked and so deprive the innocent of justice…The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe…The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it a wall too high to scale…Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor…The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out…One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother…v. 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 11, 12, 15, 24. What do all of these have in common? In this world we will have adversity and strife because people do not trust God. Can we truly say we trust God if we only trust in ourselves? Something remarkable happens when we open ourselves to God. He is there. Bringing understanding, help through tribulations and trials, comfort when we are in pain through suffering and loss, perspective not of this world that chooses to live without Him. This world may be unreliable but our God is faithful always. It’s worth it to sit with Him and learn from His Spirit speaking to yours. In Him is His peace softening the blows of this world. In Him is understanding that it is His Kingdom that will bring salvation to our world so in need of His love and care…the most important thing. Here…now…when we choose to turn to Him.