There are reasons to step cautiously, but lions aren't one of them

We love conspiracy theories. Conspiracies are concocted stories developed to keep the truth at bay -- Nessie, Big Foot, the lunar landing. They are stories and events that capture and foster a childlike imagination buried within us all. Sometimes, though, imagined risks and invented dangers can keep us from fully living.

Proverbs 22:13 reads, "The sluggard says, 'There is a lion outside! I shall be killed in the streets!'"

This proverb identifies one who is controlled by an unseen, imagined, unfounded sense of fear.

A lion is one of God's most magnificent creatures. When hunting, the large beast can be as quiet as a gentle breeze, yet lying within is a roar that can shake the heavens. His powerful claws can easily strike down and kill the strongest man. Its teeth can tear its prey to shreds.

A lion is powerful and dangerous, and man should be afraid of them.

The subtle message written between the lines of this Proverb is that there is no lion.

While there are reasons to step cautiously, there is no lion in the streets. There are no teeth waiting to devour you the moment a foot steps outside the door. There is no danger.

The lion is in the jungle, not the market. The streets are safe; the open markets hold no danger. There is no lion lurking around.

Fear of the unknown and imagined danger of what lies beyond the walls of our comfort can serve as a snare leading to a paralyzing trap.

The Lord never intended for men and women to live in fear; he intended them to live in freedom. For all those who turn to the Lord, he has given them not a spirit of fear but one of power and of love and of sound judgment.

Life is full of risk. Bulls, bears and lions lurk about.

Yet the Lord, who fears no one or nothing, never intended to let imagined fear rule in your heart.

Rob Hurtgen is a husband, father and serves as the associate pastor at the First Baptist Church in Jackson.