"In the greatest dangers, the righteous have a God of almighty power to trust to. Whatever difficulties they meet with in the way of their duty, they are not daunted by them." - Matthew Henry
Proverbs 28:1 says - "...the righteous are bold as a lion."
How brave is your heart? Are you aware that the toughest times are still before you? They will require a brave and steadfast heart.
In order to make it through increasingly troublesome times that lie ahead, as a Christian, you will need a close, trusting relationship with God - for it is from Him that true courage comes.
In order to make sure that you have the necessary courage or boldness that is required for such times, you will need to ask Him to place a brave heart in you - just as He did for the saints in times past.
Now is the time to ask yourself the straightforward question - How brave is my heart?
Now is the time - like never before - for you to cry out to God to examine your heart and see if you have a brave heart - so that if and when the time comes for you to stand for your convictions, you will be ready.
Notice, first of all, of whom Solomon was speaking in Proverbs 28:1. In his comparison, he was referring to the "righteous."
It is the "righteous" who have "lion-like boldness." They are the ones who do right and are conformed in all respects to the known will of God. They are established in Christ's righteousness - not their own.
To the degree that they are established, that is the degree to which they fear nothing - because they know their help comes from Christ Who promises to protect and sustain them.
They have boldness and confidence because they believe and trust in Him. Hence, they do not fear circumstances, other people, future needs, nor anticipation of future calamities.
Knowing that they can control very little of what's going on in their world, they "wait on the LORD," and consequently, become "of good courage," and He, in turn, "strengthens their heart." (Psalm 27:14)
They have learned that in all times of danger and difficulty - instead of despondency, despair, or giving up - they are to "wait" for Him and until He does come - knowing that "waiting on Him" is the truest and deepest source of courage.
Hence, by faith, prayer, and humble resignation to His will, they "wait" - knowing that this is the way to secure the Diving Blessing which is needed for such times. He - in turn - keeps up their spirits in the midst of the greatest dangers and difficulties. Through His Spirit, He endues their souls with secret springs of omnipotence and breeds them with peace so that they do not stoop to fear.
Great Texts of the Bible offered this comment in response - "...if we are joined to God, we can resist and endure and fight and conquer in His strength."
The Pulpit Commentary had this to add - "Things are possible to courageous minds which are impossible to weak, cowardly hearts."
These are the "righteous." These are the ones who "wait on the LORD" and, as a result, are "of good courage" and have "strengthened hearts." And these are the ones who - as Solomon stated - are "bold as a lion." They are the "lion-hearted."
But, what does it mean to be "bold as a lion"?
In order to understand the meaning behind Solomon's analogy, you have to consider the specific characteristics of a "lion."
First of all, in Proverbs 30:30, Solomon depicted him as such - "A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any." This "king of beasts" is the strongest among beasts. As a result, he "turns not away for" nor fears "any."
In comparison, the saints of God are full of spiritual courage (due to their "waiting on the LORD") - not dismayed at the threats of men but boldly declaring - "I will not be afraid what man can do unto me" (Psalm 56:11) and "though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear." (Psalm 27:1)
In what ways are they "bold as a lion"? In what ways is this courage manifested?
It is manifested in the "righteous" being "valiant for the truth" (Jeremiah 9:3) - speaking for it when others speak against it. When others are deriding God's truth, way, and people, they are vindicating and speaking in behalf of it.
These sincere and gutsy Christians are "bold as a lion" when they show their courage in "contending earnestly for the faith" (Jude 1:3) - disputing and arguing in behalf of it - against men who act like "beasts" (1 Corinthians 15:32) in opposing the truth.
These godly ones are "bold as a lion" in their public profession of the truth - not being afraid nor ashamed to confess Jesus and His ways before men - even though they are threatened or forbidden to do so.
They are "bold as a lion" whenever they are called upon to suffer for the truth - while undergoing reproach, blows, imprisonment, loss of goods, banishment, or even death for its sake.
No matter the cost, these stand by the truth - though others turn their backs on it. They are careful to maintain every truth - especially those which are most opposed in their day.
The "lion" is a great conqueror. Many other beasts which are much bigger than him are not able to stand before him. The "righteous" who are "bold as a lion" are also great conquerors - in fact, "more than conquerors" (Romans 8:37) - conquering sin, Satan, the world, death, and hell "through Christ Which strengthens them." (Philippians 4:13)
Other beasts are afraid of the "lion." So are the wicked - for the most part - afraid of the "righteous." For one thing, they dread the effects of their prayers. It is recorded in history that Mary Queen of Scots was more afraid of the prayers of John Knox (the Reformer) than an army of 20,000 men.
The "lion" is a very strong creature that walks in intrepidity - being devoid of all fear. It oftentimes lies down and sleeps in open places as securely as in woods and dens. Likewise, the "righteous" are "strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might." (Ephesians 6:10) None in earth or Hell are a match for them. They fear God and have no reason to fear any other.
Subsequently, just like the "lion," they "turn back" (Proverbs 30:30) for none - being bold and undaunted before demons and men and undismayed in the presence of danger - for they know that God is on their side.
Once again, we ask you - how brave is your heart?
Actually, your heart will be "as the heart of a lion" (2 Samuel 17:10) in proportion to the time that you spend "waiting on the LORD"!
In Psalm 27:14, David said - "Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD."
It is God's will that you - as a Christian - have the "heart of a lion." It is His will that you be brave, courageous, bold, daring, and stalwart in your Christian convictions in these Last Days - that you do not "melt" before the "pressures" of your culture but stand firmly for the Truth of His Word.
In order to make sure that you have the necessary courage that God requires in these "perilous times," (2 Timothy 3:1) you must seek Him and ask Him for a brave heart. He promises to give you what you need as you"wait on Him."
How brave is your heart?
Proverbs 28:1 says - "...the righteous are bold as a lion."
Your "righteousness" comes from placing your faith in Jesus and what He did on the Cross. So does your boldness and courage. It comes through your relationship with Him.
"Wait on the LORD" and God will cause you to become the "lion-hearted."
You will experience that Heavenly exchange!
You have His promise!
Remember - God will do His part, but it's up to you to do yours.
It is imperative that you have a brave heart in these final days.
Whatever you do - do not take this "word" from the Lord lightly!
May God Bless His Word,
Connie
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. (Isaiah 54:17)
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