Be Strong; fear not!

Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not!”  (Isaiah 35:3-4a)

Dear HLPC family,

I read these words this morning. They encouraged me so I pass them on to you for encouragement as well.  Who among us does not have an anxious heart these days?

God, through His prophet Isaiah, wants His people to be strong and to be brave.  I can’t help but think of the words of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones at this point: “Faith is a refusal to panic.”

Panic comes when fear overwhelms.  Panic comes when we are at our wit’s end.  Panic comes when we sense a complete loss of control.   Dr. Lloyd-Jones’ definition of faith fits so well.  We don’t panic because we know certain things are true and unchanging:

1.  God is real.

2.  God is good.

3.  God is sovereign- that is, He rules and He reigns over all things.

 I hope you’ll think on these words from Isaiah today even as I must.  The Lord doesn’t want us to worry, to be fearful, or to panic.  He wants us to trust Him and trust His heart.  Through the gospel- the work of His Son, Jesus Christ- we are given abundant proof of His love and mercy.  May God make us a people who refuse to panic as we put our trust in our Sovereign King.

Your Pastor,

Paul