Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 18:1

by David Chadwick

“Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.”

Proverbs 18:1

A man or woman who chooses isolation is selfish and does not operate in wisdom. The Bible essentially says isolation leads to foolishness. It is sometimes called today “isolation sickness.”

Think about the Covid season. We were all shoved inside. Churches and schools forced to close. Everyone was isolated. Socially distanced. Separated from community. Filled with fear at every turn.

Now think about what happened as a result of that season. People got depressed. Kids’ grades dropped. Loneliness crept in. People were tempted to watch what they shouldn’t watch. Tempted to do what they shouldn’t do. Those who were lulled by isolation became seekers of their own desires. After all, as one famous quote says, “Boredom breeds sin.”

This word “isolate” is synonymous with negative words like “detached” and “separated.” It almost implies a reclusive or divisive demeanor. When we live in isolation, we are vulnerable to resisting sound judgment, as today’s proverb says. Whereas God designed for us to live in community, isolation divides us from the body of Christ. And we were never created to live in isolation.

On the contrary, we were created by God to live in community with one another. God said, “It is not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). Believers in Jesus are not to forsake the assembling together with other believers (Hebrews 10:25). In order to have the sound judgment Proverbs speaks of, we must get input from others, we must seek correction, we must pursue encouragement, and we must hunger for sound advice!

God deeply desires for us to live near one another, to learn from one another, and to sharpen one another. In fact, the Bible is full of “one another” statements that explain all of the ways that the Christian faith is intended to be lived out alongside other believers.

As the body of Christ, we were created to live together in community!

May we all seek out “togetherness.” May we seek the unity that only comes through Jesus. May we flee from isolation and, instead, pursue the desire of our Father to share our lives with other believers.

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 17:17, God’s Wisdom Creates Space for Relationships

by Marilynn Chadwick

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”

Proverbs 17:17 NIV

We’ve talked about how God’s wisdom, including his creation of the Sabbath, improves our work/rest rhythm. It also strengthens our relationships. Over the years, our “Day Off” became a source of relational bonding for our family. All three of our now grown children especially looked forward to “Family Home Night.” These were weekly times of shared togetherness at the close of our Sabbath and included special movies, family prayers, Bible stories, and make-your-own-pizzas.

Sometimes, those family movies prompted spontaneous talking, laughing, and stories. But they also created space for the occasional troubling fear. The kids seemed to take this time to heart. They grew to eagerly anticipate the much-needed space set aside for rest and time with just our family. They felt renewed by the safe haven of home. Relationships tend to grow deeper when we take a day to rest.

Perhaps that’s why Sabbath and stories seem to naturally go together. This was especially evident during our missions travel to other cultures, where life often moved at a slower pace. The connection was even more profound in places where war or suffering had occurred. I remember my friend Ange, a young Rwandan mother and survivor of the horrific genocide years earlier. After we experienced a Sabbath worship service together, Ange opened up and shared her story of pain and ultimately healing. I was amazed by her courage and strength. We kept in touch for years, but it was a time of rest that opened the door for the sharing of stories and friendship. The Bible refers to the Sabbath day as “holy,” which means “different or set apart.” “Day Off” is unlike any other day of the week (Exodus 20:8-11).

God must have realized when he created the Sabbath that it would enrich every area of our human life. Sabbath keeping goes against the grain of a world that is too busy to care. It is life in slower motion. For this reason, Sabbath encourages the sharing of our stories, dreams, fears, and even testimonies. That’s why we were not created to experience Sabbath in isolation.

I wonder if biblical Sabbath keeping could become a powerful, counter cultural strategy in a world which thirsts for freedom from overwork and isolation. In a world in desperate need of God and godly relationships. In a world that yearns for shalom.

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 3:21-24, God’s Wisdom Calms Fear

by Marilynn Chadwick

"My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight... When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet."

Proverbs 3:21-24 NIV

God’s wisdom gives us practical tips on how to live well. His Sabbath command to take a day off each week not only provides rest but it can also decrease our worries. Did you know that in addition to “not working” on the Sabbath, the observant Jew also practices “not worrying?” Seriously. How does one “not worry?” A friend once coined this snappy little acronym: W.O.R.R.Y: “Worry Only Robs Rest from You.”

It’s true. Worry is exhausting. After some honest reflection, I’ve come to realize that worry actually drains my energy way more than work does. Worry (translated as “I really, really care”) seems more logical, even useful. I have plenty of excuses: I have a vivid imagination. I have lots to do. There are so many people I care about. Worry just comes with the territory, right?

I’ve been reflected on the Apostle Paul’s words about worry: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.” Next, he says to “Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” (Phil 4:6 NLT). Training tips about worry from a guy in prison and in danger of getting killed. But look at the amazing promise that follows:

“Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:7 NLT

As believers in Jesus, we’re not obligated to keep Sabbath according to any particular formula or law. But Paul’s method of prayer sounds like a much better use of my energy than worrying. I wonder if turning my “cares into prayers,” in the words of Charles Spurgeon, might be the way to stop this pesky Sabbath thief at the door?

Not worrying on the Sabbath—or any other day for that matter—is new territory. I truly want to learn to walk more solidly in my faith and drive out worry. Perhaps you have a few useful tips for how you deal with worry. Why not talk and share them with a family member or friend. Remember, we’re all in this together. Let’s encourage each other as we learn how to experience a worry-free Sabbath rest.