Daily devotion – the threat of fear..
‘Take heed, be quiet, do not fear, and do not let your heart be faint’ – Isaiah 7:4
Serious trouble was making its way to Jerusalem. Assyria was growing stronger and threatening smaller nations whose security depended upon delicate political alliances.
Syria and Ephraim (the northern kingdom of Israel) tried to pressure Judah into an alliance against Assyria, but king Ahaz refused to join them.
Fear was beginning to grip the house of David. Fear like this demoralizes men and nations. Isaiah the prophet was giving king Ahaz reassurance that God was with him and therefore he had nothing to fear.
But Isaiah did not give these words to king Ahaz because he was a righteous or virtuous king. In fact, he was one of the weakest and most idolatrous of the kings in David’s line; but because his foes were acting in direct collision with the determined counsel and purpose of God.
Maybe you today are facing a threat. Opposition is heading your way and fear is gripping your heart just like king Ahaz. God reminds us to not let our hearts be faint. For Lo, a virgin has borne a Son, whose name is Immanuel – God with us. “Fear not: I bring you glad tidings of great joy. To you is born a Saviour”
God incarnate is the end of fear! And the heart that realizes that He is in the midst, that takes heed to the assurance of His loving presence, will be quiet in the midst of alarm.
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise in judgment against thee thou shalt condemn.
Only be patient and be quiet…for there is nothing to fear!