This is a very fearful time in history. There are so many things that bring worry and fear. For the past two years the whole world has faced a relentless pandemic, which shows no real sign of abating. Wars are going on in various parts of the globe, many of them causing whole populations of people to flee for their very survival. Criminal activity and violent social unrest have been happening in many places, bringing fear for one’s safety to just even go out. Then there is economic uncertainty, with the cost of daily necessities alone being too much for many to afford. With these, along with people’s personal problems of health, careers, and family relationships, we can see why so many people are afraid, and living with anxiety and depression. Where can we turn? Who can help in such times as these? A look into our Scripture for today will give us the only sure and true answer.
The prophet Isaiah lived during some very difficult and frightening times, both politically and economically. He ministered and preached God’s Word to the people of Judah between approximately 740 - 686 BC. During this time, the country of Judah was under threat from foreign powers, namely the Assyrian Empire. In 721 BC they watched their northern neighbor Israel, their “sister country”, fall to the Assyrians, and their people, the ten tribes of Israel, be carried off captive. During this time in history no one cared about human rights, and showing mercy to one’s captives. Their neighbor fell. Would they, as well? With this and other threats, with political and economic uncertainty, who could help them? There was no government help or charitable aid programs to keep one from starving.
Isaiah was a witness to all of this. He knew that the people of the northern Kingdom of Israel had long since turned away from faithful worship of Yahweh, and their ultimate fate was the result. Isaiah knew, as well, that the people of Judah were not much better. Despite his, and the other prophet’s preaching, so many were unfaithful to God. Would the Lord bring His judgment upon them, as He did to Israel?
The message that the Lord God gave to Isaiah today is one of hope. Though God would not ignore or sanction unfaithfulness to Him, and would judge sin, if the people returned to Him, He promised to turn His anger away (vs. 1). This is the same today as it was then. When we turn to the Lord, and call upon Him, and Him alone, He will bring His salvation. And with God as our salvation and hope, we can trust Him and not be afraid (vs. 2). Not be afraid! Those are such good words to hear, especially in days like we face today.
Trusting God is truly committing our lives into His care, and not trying to manage life on our own. With the trying events we face these days, no one can truly handle things on their own. We need to lean into His care, and not depend upon our own ability to manage life. Jesus is trustworthy, and we do not need to be afraid of anything that comes our way. As verse 2 says, He is our strength, our song, our salvation.
However, before we can enjoy those benefits, we need to trust Him. First, we need to trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins, and for salvation. Sometimes salvation is compared with drawing water out of a well, life-giving water, as Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:7-26). Unlike a traditional well, which could possibly go dry, the well of salvation, bringing the eternal life-giving water of the Holy Spirit, will never run dry. This well of salvation is a constant, flowing, never-ending source. And after we receive the Lord Jesus as Savior, we can continually turn to Him in trust, and receive the power of the Holy Spirit at all times. It is a never-ending well. Our salvation should give us joy every day. Salvation is not only about eternal life. It is also about an abundant life right now (John 10:10).
When we feel fear or anxiety coming upon us, especially during these trying times, we should pray these verses. Then we need to praise the Lord, calling upon His Name in thanksgiving, and tell others about what the Lord has done for us (vs. 4).
When trying and difficult times come, we have the choice whether to trust God or become fearful. No matter what our circumstance, trusting God is the right choice. Faith gives us the ability to see what God sees. Be confident that the Lord will be our defense.
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