Isaiah 33:5-6 The LORD is exalted, for He dwells on high; He has filled Zion with justice and righteousness. Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, And the strength of salvation; The fear of the LORD is His treasure. NKJV

We are going through some difficult times here in America. The economy is slowing down and discussions by those who “know it all” are centered on a recession. Some of our number here at South Cobb has lost jobs, and those who have jobs are making sure they hang on to what they have, lest they be among the unemployed. Gas prices have gone through the roof, and more of our budget is being spent on gas and the ability to get around. There is the trickledown effect of higher gas prices on everything else, and food prices are getting higher and higher. Then we have the election. Without getting into politics the discussions between Barak Obama and John McCain have left so many in our country with the idea that there are no real leaders today – it truly has become a choice of the lesser of two evils.

This kind of situation has caused so many to fear and worry. Anxiety is causing many to fret about what will happen, and all of the concerns are being amplified. It doesn’t help watching the news – in fact; it seems that the news is focused on bringing the worst news possible for everyone, and scaring the populace, rather than informing them.

It should not surprise us that “bad times” or times of uncertainty are normal. Every nation has had those times. Imagine, if you can, being an Israelite during the time of Isaiah. For a while everything seems all right; Hezekiah is doing what he can to get people focused on God and what God desires. There seems to be strong leadership with a goal of getting people back to God. But it isn’t long before Sennacherib, king of the Assyrians, comes and attacks Judah and begins destroying the outlying villages and towns. He sends one of his representatives, The Rabshekah, to Jerusalem to ask for capitulation without a fight. He threatens Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem, and in essence tells them that they will be destroyed if they choose to fight against him. War is imminent and inevitable. And Hezekiah encourages the people to stand fast and not give in – to trust in the Lord.

In the midst of this Isaiah emphasizes some things that the people needed to know and be assured of in the face of this calamity. Notice what his points are from Isaiah 33:5-6:

1. God is still God, and he dwells on high! God has not abdicated his throne, and this king who dares speak against God will be destroyed. We need to be aware of the fact that God USES kingdoms of men to do His will.

2. God will reign with justice and righteousness. God will always do what is right, and will always be just in his dealings with men! Sometimes that is what we need to know – that everything will turn out right in the end, because God will see to it!

3. Wisdom and knowledge will bring stability to us. The RIGHT kind of wisdom and knowledge is what will bring stability. The wisdom of the world will not bring stability, as it is based upon the knowledge of men and is subject to change at all times. The wisdom that God gives freely (James 1:5) is the kind of wisdom that will stabilize us, because it is not from men, but from God! Also, the RIGHT kind of knowledge brings stability. Paul condemned the wrong kind of knowledge in 1 Corinthians, as that knowledge “puffs up.” Knowledge of God and His word brings stability! And it is knowledge and wisdom that give us strength in salvation!

4. The fear of the Lord is the righteous man’s treasure. The fear of the Lord means the reverence and respect for the awesome God. The righteous man or woman will keep their focus on God, not on governments, not on economics, not on social issues, but upon the living God. God is higher than these problems, and has the ultimate solution already worked out – the reconciling of the world to himself and one another through the death of Jesus his Son.

In times like these we need stability – and it is NOT found in some man, or government, or political party – it is found only in God. Know that God is still God and rules in the affairs of men. Know that God’s reign will be with justice and righteousness. Know that the right kind of wisdom and knowledge gives stability, and know that when we fear the Lord we will be blessed!

Do you have that kind of stability?