Sudden Terror

The thing about sudden terror is you can never expect it. You can’t plan for it.

But you can take the necessary steps to avoid it.

Proverbs 3:21 – 26 NKJV

^{21 "}My son, let them not depart from your eyes—
Keep sound wisdom and discretion;
²² So they will be life to your soul
And grace to your neck.
²³ Then you will walk safely in your way,
And your foot will not stumble.
²⁴ When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.
²⁵ Do not be afraid of sudden terror,
Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;
²⁶ For the Lord will be your confidence,
And will keep your foot from being caught."

Everyone knows the saying “Your consequences have actions”, but what many don’t realize is that those consequences are not always around the corner. Sometimes they build up over time. Sometimes they lead you down a path that doesn’t start out dark, but rather increasingly dims as you traverse it.

And when we do find ourselves alone on that dark path, the one that glimmered with false optimism, we often wonder why and how?

Why is this happening? Why am I here? How could this have happened to me?

It might not be clear at first. We might ponder and consider every word, every action, and even every thought, but soon the grayness becomes a vivid red. We see that the error of our ways was not in what happened directly prior to that occurrence. But rather, it was the decisions leading up to it that led us to the point of desolation.

It might have been a small habit that grew into a lifestyle, or those moments where in numbness or sorrow we found ourselves forsaking truth and embracing an easy way out. It could have been a moment where desire was greater than conviction, or when in hope for something good, we confuse lust for love, or dullness of our senses for relief.

It was then, in that moment, we chose the path that would lead us to a place we never intended. Was the force that drove us there darker than the place it brought us? Regardless, one thing is certain - Darkness perpetuates darkness.

And so, we are charged with this – “Keep sound wisdom and discretion” (v.21).

1. Never let obscure judgement cloud your ability to discern right from wrong.

2. Understand your limits and set boundaries to keep you in control of your mind, body, and senses.

3. Do not confuse pleasure with joy, or temptation with necessity.

Remember these teachings and take precaution against moments of sudden terror. Because although sudden terror is often unexpected, it is also often avoidable.