Proverb 1:27

“when terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind,
when distress and anguish come upon you.”

In addition to terror, we see that when we ignore the call of Wisdom, we will also experience the following:

1. calamity: event causing great and often sudden damage or distress; a disaster.

2. distress: extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain.

3. anguish: severe mental or physical pain or suffering.

How frequently do we encounter emotions awry from the peace that we so crave? Unfortunately, they are rampant in our society and if I’m honest, in my own life. 

When our mouths turn to automatic weapons, misfiring ammunition full of “why’s” and “how comes”, we must reference Proverbs 1:27 whose ancient answer still holds to be true.

They always appear when we turn from Wisdom’s reproof or disapproval.

When anxieties begin to surface, that’s our surefire sign that we’ve ignored the discerning spirit that deciphers wise judgement.

It is the equivalent of feverish symptoms which alert you to a malfunction in the physical body.

Except symptoms of distress and anxiety are our red flags that there is a spiritual malfunction. And instead of popping pills to reduce the discomfort, we medicate with ample doses of scripture and prayer and reboot our system back to health. 

They are mere indicators of our spiritual health. An honest look inward, will reveal that the symptoms occur when we’re outside the will of God; choosing to appeasing the flesh and suppressing the spirit.

Just yesterday, I experienced something that serves as a prime example. I went to book a flight for a trip I’m taking this summer for a wedding out of state. I was in a hurry to purchase what I thought was a good deal, seeing as it’s a financial stretch for me to go in the first place. 

Before I purchased, I felt the inward struggle between Wisdom saying “don’t do it” and desire saying “what a great deal!” I chose to heed my flesh, knowing deep down inside it was too good to be true.

I wound up booking a flight for the wrong day and to change the existing itinerary will cost me more than had a booked a normally priced flight in the first place. In a word: disaster. Then came the storm of terror and whirlwind of calamity.

All because of a choice to ignore the reproof of wisdom.