Proverbs 28:18 “Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall. ”

In the news this week, Bhutir, the exiled leader of Pakistan who is now running for Prime Minister again, was killed by an explosion. Also in the news this week, a train in Pennsylvania overturned and caught fire, however no one was injured. The news commentators called it a miracle.

The Lord is good, and is that not wonderful? In The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, at one point the beavers try to explain Aslan, the lion (the Christ-figure in the books), with the following words “Safe? Of course He isn't safe, but He is good.” God's goodness overflows all boundaries in our lives. Even as we stumble and fall, His gentle arms are there surrounding us, encompassing us, acting like spiritual airbags.

We make choices daily. Some of our choices are good and some are bad. We often times do not know which until we see the consequences. Sometimes though, we consciously make choices that we know are not fully right. The crooked man, the person who does not take instruction, the stubborn one, will find that for some reason he faces problems beyond what he can handle. The person who turns to God and asks help, who understands their failures and who are honest about it will still have to go through the consequences, but they have God with them. They have His wonderful arms around them to comfort and protect.

Listening to my music, I heard these two songs in a row, compare them and see the difference:

Will I get better or stay the same? / I find I always move too slowly / Can't lift a finger / Can't change my mind / I never knew till someone told me that / If that's all you will be / You'll be a waste of time / You've dreamed a thousand dreams / None seem to stick in your mind

- Guster - “Two Points for Honesty”

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought! / My sin, not in part but the whole, / Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, / Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! / It is well, with my soul, / It is well, with my soul, / It is well, it is well, with my soul.

- Horatio Spafford - “It is Well with my Soul”

The person of integrity, of honesty, and who tries his best to follow God, even if he falls short at times, has such hope that non Christ-followers can not understand it.
Just remember, there is hope through Christ our Lord (2 Thessalonians 2:16)

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.