Both black bears and grizzlies can be frightening. They are, after all, wild. But sometimes, we face bear-like situations that bring fear, even panic. The big question is: how do we face them?
ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES by Sally Bair
Big black bears
I’ve met three black bears during my earlier hikes. One bear, I’m sure, was as long as the wide trail I walked. Another one stood—yes, stood—by a tree on the side of the same trail. The third lay undetected in a roadside ditch until I found myself looking straight into its eyes. I have a healthy fear of larger-than-me mammals, so in each case, I slowly retreated until I was out of their sight, then high-tailed it for home.
I sometimes see tree stumps that look like bears, too. They look safe but probably are not. Conversely, stumps that I believe are bears are harmless, but I fear them anyway.
The noun “bear” means more than the animal. It also means “something difficult to deal with.” We all face those kinds of bears. Some we could call baby bears—like when we come down with a cold. Other bears may be mama-sized, like having a flat tire on a busy highway. And, of course, there are the big bears—learning a loved one has cancer, for instance. Such bears can bring worry, doubt, or the temptation to “fix” the problem ourselves.
Regardless of size, any bear, any problem, offers us three choices: confront, go around, or turn away. We don’t always have the time or opportunity to carefully consider our options, either. Sometimes, we have to flee from sudden danger.
God offers us helpful wisdom in our choices when it comes to temptations or just plain living. Many verses in the Psalms and Proverbs, for instance, speak of the value of gaining God’s wisdom, which is said to be worth more than gold, silver, or rubies. Wisdom brings knowledge of God. It also offers victory, protection, and safety, among other valuables. It is supreme, and the Bible says we should seek it at all times.
The most wonderful thing about using God’s wisdom—as opposed to man's wisdom—is that it can help us make the right choices in any situation, no matter what kind of bears we face. All we need to do is trust that He will give us the wisdom we need and the strength to act.
“And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
Lord, thank You for Your infinite wisdom. Cause us to meditate on Your Word daily and use it to know when to confront, when to go around, and when to turn away. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.
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