Counter-intuitive

The fear of the LORD leads to life, so that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.   Proverbs 19:23

Satisfied – Ask anyone.  Does God keep all evil away from His children?  Are Christians really exempt from harm and struggle and trials? Or do we observe something else? 

This proverb seems to deny our common experience.  In fact, it looks as though it is contrary to Jesus’ own words (“in this world you will have trouble” – John 16:33).  Certainly Jesus’ life was not “untouched by evil.”  When our lives seem to be living testimonies to tribulation, are we to conclude that we just don’t have enough faith?  Did God really mean that we should never experience harm?  Then what are we to say about Jesus, and about the call to follow Him in a spiritual war against the world?

On the surface, this proverb looks like an endorsement of the popular “prosperity” gospel.  It appears to tell us that if we are filled with reverence for God, He will insure our lives are restful, satisfied and unharmed.  Such thinking denies not only the life experience of many heroes and heroines of the faith but also the explicit teaching of the Son.  Christians are not exempt.  In fact, they are called to stand against the world with the full expectation that the world will hate them and persecute them.  So, what can this proverb mean?

The key is found in the Hebrew word saveah.  Look at Leviticus 26:6 and Deuteronomy 11:15 to see the word used in another context.   This verse does not promise a life of ease.  It promises a God of sovereign control.  The one who respects and honors the God of all creation knows that life is in the hands of the Maker.  When sleep closes the door of consciousness in the world, the believer is able to rest, secure in the knowledge that God is on guard.  This is not promised exemption from tribulation.  It is a promise that in spite of all life’s circumstances, the believer is able to sleep in confidence.  God watches over me. The restfulness of my sleep is one of the best indicators of my faith. 

Do you need a New Testament example?  Paul and Barnabas are in prison.  They have been beaten and face the possibility of death or more torture.  But their circumstances do not lessen their rest in the Lord (Acts 16:25).  God is in charge.  Don’t worry.  Close your eyes and sleep, satisfied that His purposes will not fail.