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In the days of Isaiah, (700 B.C.), Assyria had taken Israel into captivity and was marching toward Judah. (cf. Is. 37) Indeed - Judah was facing perilous times. To whom would they turn for help? For security? For Deliverance?
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In the days of Isaiah, (700 B.C.), Assyria had taken Israel into captivity and was marching toward Judah. (cf. Is. 37) • Indeed - Judah was facing perilous times. • To whom would they turn for help? For security? For Deliverance? • Isaiah was sent to warn them not to put their trust in men – but in God . . . Isaiah 33:5-6 (NKJV) The Lord is exalted, for He dwells on high; He has filled Zion with justice and righteousness. [6] Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, And the strength of salvation; The fear of the Lord is His treasure.
The tsunami that killed some 250,000 people in Southeast Asia in December of 2004 . . . • Hurricane Katrina with its devastating toll on the MS & LA Gulf Coast, killing 1,200 people . . . • Hurricane Rita –devastating the LA and TX gulf coast region. • An earthquake that took over 79,000 lives in South Asia. • Hurricane Wilma, at one time the most powerful storm ever measured in the Atlantic Basin, is stalking the Florida coast, • Experts are warning of a deadly avian flu pandemic . . . • Don’t forget about terrorism, the war, economic concerns, crime, worldliness, cancer, accidents, and the rest of the troubles from day to day, (Mat. 6:34)
The Effects of Such Things • Instability & Confusion • Discouragement & Depression . . . • Murmuring & Complaining . . . • Negativity & Hopelessness . . . • Anxiety & Fear . . . • Steadiness & Certain • Contented & Confident, • Praising & Encouraging, • Optimistic & Hopeful, • Joy & Peace,
Through wisdom & Knowledge: • Preventing one from falling into the pitfalls of life – Prov. 2:6-22; • Provides comfort & confidence in the times of turmoil – Prov. 3:21-26 • Provides for those who trust him – James 1:5-8
Provides salvation : • Whom shall we fear? - Psalm 27:1,2; Mat 10:28 • We can find strength in the Lord - 28:8; Acts 14:22 • We are more than conquerors - Rom 8:31-39; • Where is our focus? Mat. 6; 2 Cor. 5:1,5-8
The Key – The Fear of The Lord: • Strength is provided to all who fear & trust Him – Prov 1:7; 9:10; 19:23; 14:26,27 • Those who fear the Lord depart from evil – Prov. 16:16 • God accepts all who fear and obey Him – Act 10:34; Phili 2:12
Why do MANY lack stability in their lives? • Because they lack wisdom, knowledge, and salvation . . . • Their full confidence is not in the Lord!!
But Those Who Fear The Lord? • Seek wisdom & Knowledge – • They seek to strengthen their faith!! • Stand in the day of adversity!!!!
Hebrews 13:6 (NKJV) So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"
God has not promised, Skies always blue, Flower-strewn pathways, All our lives through; God has not promised, Sun without rain, Joy without sorrow, Peace without pain. . . .
But God has promised, Strength for the day, Rest for the labor, Light for the way; Yes, God has promised, Grace for the trials, Help from above, Unfailing sympathy, and undying love. (UNKNOWN)