More bad news!
In chapter eight God is telling Isaiah some pretty bad news. Bad things are about to come to Judah because of their disobedience.
In verse twelve and thirteen God tells Isaiah something that jumped out to me as I read chapter eight. "You are not to say, 'It is a conspiracy!' In regard to all that this people call a conspiracy, And you are not to fear what they fear or be in dread of it. "It is the LORD of hosts whom you should regard as holy. And He shall be your fear, And He shall be your dread."
There's probably not a lot I can say to add to this. I think the application is easy to find.
We're living in a time in history when there is reason to be a little fearful. The economy is turned upside down. Jobs are hard to find, and things are uncertain. The culture we live in is becoming more and more corrupt. We live in a time of war (although different war from what our Grandparents would have experienced, war none the less).
I have to admit, with some of the things that have been going on in my life recently I've been experiencing moments of anxiousness and fear. So this is why this verse stood out to me.
In the NASB Isaiah is told he is not to fear what the people fear. This is simple for us then. We're not to fear the things which the people in the world fear. The way we walk through tough situations is supposed to be an example to the world. It's suppose to be one of the things that sets us apart from the world.
Paul wrote in Philippians four "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." I think of this as a command.
Do you have something to be fearful of? Are you anxious? Let your request be made know to God. Pray to God, not out of greed but out of need. The peace of God the Christian is to experience, and display, is what the world will see.
I'm still thinking about verse thirteen. Give me a few days and maybe I'll add some more thoughts on this.
It's so easy in tough times to justify doing wrong in order to get ahead, or secure the future. I've been tempted to lie on resumes, or exaggerate in interviews. In the name of being a good husband, or providing for my family should I not do whatever it takes?
Verse thirteen stands as a reminder. Regard God as holy, and you be holy also. Don't fear the things the world does, fear God. Respect and obey God.
I think if we make obedience to God our number one priority, He will see us through the tough times. He will provide for us.
Don't fear what the world fears. Love God. Obey God.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
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