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He Shall Be the Stability of Your Times
He Shall Be the Stability of Your Times
Just watching the nightly news is enough to make you want to crawl into bed and pull up the covers.
If you listen to the loudest scaremongers, the economy is poised to crash. The gap between rich and poor continues to expand. Half of all households receives a government handout of some kind. Over two-thirds have less than a month’s cushion in savings, yet still racks up consumer debt on big-screen TVs and luxury cars. The $20 trillion deficit, a number so high it defies all metaphors, is a looming issue. Inflation climbs. Covid lingers. The rancor of midterm elections will soon be upon us. China and Russia are rattling swords on various fronts. Tornadoes wreck whole towns and murder rates soar. There is suffering and unrest everywhere one looks.
That’s why Isaiah’s message to the faithful remnant is as important today as it was at the turn of the sixth century BC, when the nation of Israel was also facing economic collapse, political turmoil, and military invasion. Isaiah said,
The Lord is exalted, for He dwells on high;
He has filled Zion with justice and righteousness, And He will be the stability of your times,
A wealth of salvation, wisdom and knowledge; The fear of the Lord is his treasure (Isaiah 33:5-6).
The Stability of Your Times
In times like these, everything is unsure (1 Timothy 6:17)—incomes, investments, homes, cars, gas prices, health, and even safety. But God is still a rock of salvation, and is a pillar of strength. God Himself, and our identity as children of God. “He will be the stability of your times.”
Christians need not lose hope. Not because their fortunes will necessarily be any better. Often, the righteous and the innocent suffer the spillover of the consequences of the sins of others. There were many faithful Israelites who suffered as a result of God’s judgment upon the nation, just as there are many hard-working and righteous families who suffer as a result of national greed and political strife. But Christians have a completely different foundation that never, ever moves. Zion is strong, even if America grows weak. “He will be the stability of your times.”
Here are some things upon which we might build a divinely solid foundation in the midst of difficult times:
His word. “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-30). Abiding by the principles of God’s inspired word often helps prevent trouble, but even when trouble comes inevitably, the Bible reminds us of better things.
His salvation. “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul” (Matthew 10:28). “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” (Matt. 16:26). Ultimately, who cares whether or not we achieve great financial success, whether we live to a young or old age, whether we live in a big house or small house, whether we drive a new car or jalopy? The salvation of our souls is our supreme concern, and the only thing that really matters.
His love and concern. “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). “He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,’ so that we may confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?’ ” (Hebrews 13:5-6).
His promise. “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
His church and its heavenly destination. “Since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28-29).
His peace. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
