Circumspectly

See then that you walk, circumspectly, not as fools but as wise.

—Ephesians 5:15 (NKJV)

God’s wisdom! There is nothing like it in difficult times. Last night I kept waking up hearing the word "circumspectly." I asked myself sleepily, "Isn’t that word really “circumspectively?" And I heard a definite, "No, it isn't." At this point, there was no way I was going back to sleep, so I got up and searched Biblegateway’s NKJV for the word “circumspectly.” I immediately found only one verse with that word: Ephesians 5:15. The Holy Spirit was strong. He wanted me to see this verse. So I read it again and again.

Some synonyms of “circumspectly” are “cautiously” and “watchfully” and "carefully." I am to walk through the circumstances of life cautiously—watchfully—carefully. I am to walk, not with the fear of a fool but with the peace and understanding that comes from God’s wisdom. 

When the world panics from bad news like the COVID-19 virus, it has no concept of peace that only is real in Christ. The "prepper" in man comes out. Stores are stripped bare. Life moves into "survivor of the fittest" mode. When you have peace in Jesus, you do not succumb to panic that comes from fear. You ask for God's wisdom, and He gives it to you. You make decisions based upon God's understanding instead of man's fear.

“Sensible people keep their eyes glued on wisdom, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth" (Proverbs 17:24, NLT). God's wisdom keeps you grounded in His perspective instead of fearfully yielding to every word of bad news. Yes, we need to be prudent, cautious, and careful. Being concerned over the details of the virus is not foolish. Allowing those details to cause panic, is. We don't need to be fearful when we trust God.

The Holy Spirit is here to guide and teach you through any difficult time. When you seek His wisdom and apply it, peace—no matter what is going on in the world—is your promise.

© 2020 Lynn Lacher

www.lynnlacher.com/2020/03/circumspectly.html