The sluggard says, There is a lion in the way! A lion is in the streets!

Daily Devotional Betty Miller shares her daily devotionals which are based on the book of Proverbs in the Bible. The Wisdom of God Verses for the Day: Proverbs 26:13-14 (KJV): 13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets. 14 As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed. Proverbs 26:13-14 (AMP): 13 The sluggard says, There is a lion in the way! A lion is in the streets! 14 As the door turns on its hinges, so does the lazy man (move not from his place) upon his bed. Thoughts for the Day: These verses from Proverbs tells us that a slothful and lazy person will never get anything done because of his fear of trouble and his desire to sleep away his life. The dictionary definition of the words "slothful" and "sluggard" means "one who is habitually lazy, idle, or indolent." A person who is slothful will always have an excuse for not getting his work done. The excuse the slothful man used in Verse 13 is that a lion was outside in the streets and it would be dangerous for him to go outside. This may, or may not, have been the truth, as many times lazy people will make up a story to justify why they are not going out to look for a job or go to work. Even if it was the truth, others would not have let the threat of danger keep them from their jobs. They simply would have watched out, and took measures to protect themselves from any danger as they went to their jobs. According to Verse 14 the lazy person had rather stay at home and lie upon his bed. The comparison is made with a door that is attached to hinges that swings back and forth, to a person who is attached to his bed that turns over and over, but never leaves the bed or house. Laziness and fear keep him there. Fear is a terrible master and those who yield to it will never accomplish much. The Lord calls His people to walk in faith and trust in Him. Fear is the opposite faith. There is only one way we can be without fear in a world of turmoil, hatred, war, and uncertainty. The way to do this is to trust the One who told us not to be troubled or fearful. Only through Christ's power can we walk in peace and safety. We must give our lives completely to the Lord and yield to His will as to what He wants us to do, where He wants us to live, what He wants us to sell or give away and what we are to do with our time. This is a total commitment by giving God first place of our time, money, careers, family and future. The Word of God tells us that God's people do not have to be afraid of evil news if we keep our hearts and minds focused on Jesus. Psalm 112:7: He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord. Fear is the opposite of trust. The devil continually tries to get us to be fearful. We live in an hour in the earth that the Bible speaks of as the "last days." Because we are in the end times we know that according to prophecy it will be a time of great tribulation and trouble. 2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. Luke 21:25-28: 25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. Many people shall not overcome fear, but be overcome by it. As Christians, we are not to be fearful but are to trust in the Lord. Should Satan come against us with his lies and fear, we are to turn to God and ask that the fear be removed. People's fears are many. Some fear death, others are afraid of getting cancer, afraid of losing their loved ones, afraid of the house burning down, afraid of having car wrecks or afraid of flying in airplanes, afraid of the future. Others are tormented with the fear of the dark, fear of being molested or fear of staying alone. Fear is a horrible monster no matter what form it takes. We can ask God to deliver us from fear, and give us the courage to overcome whatever is threatening us. Laziness or fear has no power over a Christian. 2 Timothy 1:7: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Isaiah 35:3-4: 3 Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm‎ the feeble knees. 4 Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; he will come and save you. Prayer for the Day: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You that we can overcome the threat of fear through our faith in You. It is so wonderful to walk in peace and faith when trouble surrounds us. Lord, You have never failed me in the past and I know You will not fail me now. You are so faithful and I am grateful for Your mercy and love over and over again. Help me to overcome the lies of the devil that would try to get me to doubt Your love and provision when I am facing a need that seems overwhelming. I voice my trust in You and thank You, even before I receive the answers to my prayers. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.