The LORD has given me a strong warning
not to think like everyone else does. He said, “Don’t call everything a conspiracy, like they do, and don’t live in dread of what frightens them… He (God) is the one you should fear. He will keep you safe.” Isa. 8:11-14 NLT
Heavenly Father, when Isaiah spoke these words, your people were living in threat of attack, in fear of great loss, and in dread of an unknown future. Their options were to trust you, themselves, lifeless idols, or pagan nations.
Our circumstances are quite different, but our opportunity is an identical twin to theirs. Will we trust you in the midst of this global virus, economic turmoil, and life-as-we-know-it disruption? Or will we default to any of a number of entirely worthless alternatives?
It’s heart-centering and hope-fueling to remember, just a few paragraphs later in Isaiah’s prophecy, you promised the resolution to the “hopes and fears of all the years.”
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end. (Isa. 9:6-7)
Thank you, Oh blessed, faithful, loving, generous Father. That child did come, and his name is Jesus. Because of the finished work of Jesus, we are forgiven, righteous, and beloved. Because of Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, his kingdom-reign and healing-peace are increasing all the time. Hallelujah!
Until you send Jesus’ back, our main decision in life remains, will we live more “in Christ,” or in dread—in fear and awe of you, or being afraid of everything else?
Whether in whirlwind or windfall, in health crisis or palatial comfort, you alone are worthy of our love, worship and trust. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ glorious and grace-full name.