What steps can we take to avoid the fate described in Job 18:11? Job 18:11—Reality Check “Terrors frighten him on every side and harass his every step.” Bildad is painting the future of the unrepentant: a life stalked by dread, a death stripped of hope. Scripture presents this as literal warning, not poetic exaggeration. Steps That Keep Terror at Bay • Live in the fear of the LORD – “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them.” (Psalm 34:7) – Reverence for God pushes out crippling fear of everything else. • Turn from known sin immediately – “He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13) – Confession cleans the slate; repentance changes the direction. • Entrust your life to Christ, the only sure refuge – “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1) – Terror cannot stake a claim where the Savior’s verdict has already been rendered. • Saturate your mind with Scripture – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) – Light drives out lurking shadows of anxiety and confusion. • Walk in daily obedience – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) – Obedience builds a track record of trust that terror cannot refute. • Cultivate humble dependence on God – “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may exalt you in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6) – Pride invites opposition; humility invites protection. • Stand firm against the enemy’s intimidation – “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7) – Spiritual terror retreats when confronted by a believer under God’s authority. • Keep close fellowship with other believers – “Two are better than one… For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10) – Isolation amplifies fear; community disperses it. Outcomes Promised by God • Peace that outruns circumstance – “You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3) • Security that transcends death – “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” (Psalm 23:4) • Joy that terror cannot touch – “In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11) Closing Charge Choose reverence, repentance, and reliance on Christ. The dread described in Job 18:11 belongs to the unyielding heart; the one who trusts and obeys walks unharassed, even in a world of unrest. |
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