Isaiah 33:5-6 (NKJV) Isaiah 33:5-6 (NKJV)

The Lord is exalted, The Lord is exalted, for He dwells on high; for He dwells on high; He has filled Zion with He has filled Zion with

justice and righteousness. justice and righteousness. [6] Wisdom and [6] Wisdom and

knowledge will be the knowledge will be the stability of your times, stability of your times,

And the strength of And the strength of salvation; The fear of the salvation; The fear of the

Lord is His treasure.Lord is His treasure.

In the days of Isaiah, In the days of Isaiah, (700 B.C.), Assyria had (700 B.C.), Assyria had taken Israel into taken Israel into captivity and was captivity and was marching toward Judah. marching toward Judah. (cf. Is. 37)(cf. Is. 37)

Indeed - Judah was Indeed - Judah was facing perilous times. facing perilous times.

To whom would they To whom would they turn for help? For turn for help? For security? For security? For Deliverance?Deliverance?

Isaiah was sent to warn Isaiah was sent to warn them not to put their them not to put their trust in men – but in trust in men – but in God . . .God . . .

• The tsunami that killed some 250,000 people in Southeast Asia in December of 2004 . . .

• Hurricane Katrina with its devastating toll on the MS & LA Gulf Coast, killing 1,200 people . . .

• Hurricane Rita –devastating the LA and TX gulf coast region.

• An earthquake that took over 79,000 lives in South Asia.

• Hurricane Wilma, at one time the most powerful storm ever measured in the Atlantic Basin, is stalking the Florida coast,

• Experts are warning of a deadly avian flu pandemic . . .

• Don’t forget about terrorism, the war, economic concerns, crime, worldliness, cancer, accidents, and the rest of the troubles from day to day, (Mat. 6:34)

• Instability & Confusion

• Discouragement & Depression . . .

• Murmuring & Complaining . . .

• Negativity & Hopelessness . . .

• Anxiety & Fear . . .

The Effects of Such Things• Steadiness &

Certain• Contented &

Confident, • Praising &

Encouraging, • Optimistic &

Hopeful, • Joy & Peace,

Through wisdom & Knowledge:

• Preventing one from falling into the pitfalls of life – Prov. 2:6-22;

• Provides comfort & confidence in the times of turmoil – Prov. 3:21-26

• Provides for those who trust him – James 1:5-8

Provides salvation :• Whom shall we fear? -

Psalm 27:1,2; Mat 10:28• We can find strength in

the Lord - 28:8; Acts 14:22

• We are more than conquerors - Rom 8:31-39;

• Where is our focus? Mat. 6; 2 Cor. 5:1,5-8

The Key – The Fear of The Lord:

• Strength is provided to all who fear & trust Him – Prov 1:7; 9:10; 19:23; 14:26,27

• Those who fear the Lord depart from evil – Prov. 16:16

• God accepts all who fear and obey Him – Act 10:34; Phili 2:12

• Because they lack wisdom, knowledge, and salvation . . .

• Their full confidence is not in the Lord!!

Why do MANY lack stability in

their lives?

• Seek wisdom & Knowledge –

• They seek to strengthen their faith!!

• Stand in the day of adversity!!!!

But Those Who Fear The Lord?

Hebrews 13:6 (NKJV)

So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can

man do to me?"

God has not promised,

Skies always blue,Flower-strewn

pathways, All our lives through;

God has not promised,

Sun without rain,

Joy without sorrow,

Peace without pain. . . .

But God has promised,

Strength for the day,

Rest for the labor, Light for the way;

Yes, God has promised,

Grace for the trials,Help from above, Unfailing sympathy,

and undying love.

(UNKNOWN)