Isaiah 7:4 “… Be careful, keep calm, and don’t be afraid. Do not lose heart because of these two smoldering stubs of firewood – because of the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram and of the son of Remaliah.”

 

Have you ever been really afraid – the can’tsleep, weak-in-the-knees, feel-like-you-are-going-to-throw-up kind of afraid? Sometimes circumstances cause us to fear. Other times the unknown is the source of our fears. And other times it is another human being who has sent us into a panic.

During these times there is one thing we must remember. God’s children always have a safe place to go, no matter the cause of our debilitating distress.

During the reign of King Ahaz of Judah  some enemy armies waged war againstJerusalem. When news of the attack reached the city, the inhabitants shook with fear. God called his prophet Isaiah to meet the king on the highway leading to the conduit of the upper pool to speak words of reassurance to him.

He comforted the distraught king with God’s encouragement, “Be careful, keep calm and don’t be afraid. Do not lose heart because of these two smoldering stubs of firewood – because of the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram and of the son of Remaliah,”

The enemy was strong and their plans for disaster were distressing. But God was not concerned. To Him these blazing torches of destruction were only two smoldering matchsticks that He could extinguish with one stamp of the foot. There was no need for Ahaz to be terrorized when the God of the mighty angel armies was on his side. Nothing and no one could stand or come to pass without His knowledge or consent. The king only needed to believe.

How I love to read these words when I am afraid. They are a comfort even today when I remember that God never changes. He has not grown old or lost power in the thousands of years since the time of King Ahaz.

He is the same yesterday, today and forever in all of His attributes. No enemy can ever stand against His power and wisdom. Even in the most terrorizing of circumstances we have no need to fear, but can take to heart His comforting words to Ahaz: “Be careful, keep calm, and don’t be afraid.”

Put your faith in the God of angel armies; and remember that no matter how bright the flame of destruction seems, to God it is only a smoldering match. You are safe in His care.

Sandra Sheridan is a Midwest wife and mother of five. She shares her messages to her children with Farm World. Visit her at www.VersesFromMama.com