Israel’s prophet, Isaiah, preaching and writing at a time that his nation was facing an impending invasion by the Assyrians, called his people to turn from their wicked ways and return to their trust and dependence on God. The opinion of many was to turn to the Egyptians for protection which at that time possessed a great army. Yet Isaiah warned against trusting in the might of others but rather a return to God’s Word. Had God not said to the frightened people of Judah –
… “for the battle is the Lord’s?”(Isa 17:47 KJV)
Some one hundred and fifty years later, had God failed to encourage Zerubbabel, a discouraged civil servant, whose work was that of reconstructing the Temple in times of adversity and distress? Some of the people had just returned from seventy years of captivity in Babylon. Though offered freedom back to their homeland of Palestine, the majority of the Jews had chosen to stay in the land of their captivity. However, a faithful remnant, spiritually minded, knowing God to be true to His Word, returned. The enormous challenges, both physically and psychologically threatened the success of their cause. God’s gracious reminder came from a faithful prophet, Zechariah, --
“Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.”(Zech 4:6 KJV)
Once again the call came to view things from the Divine perspective rather than man’s limited perception. Outward appearances looked grim, yet the inward look from and of faith would be quite different. The Biblical principle still stood --
… “for my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.”(Isa 55:8 KJV)
The Apostle Paul took up the theme of having ones thinking renovated as God’s Word is learned and applied in ones life. In writing to the Christians in Rome, he stated --
… “Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God — what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect.”(Rom 12:2 TEV)
The timeless Scriptures offer a challenge to us today to return to a fervent faith and trust in the God who made of heaven and earth. Adversity appears to be lingering on the horizon, yet God is faithful to those who have placed their trust in Him. Jesus said –
… “my grace is sufficient;”(2Cor 12:9 KJV)
… “I will never leave you or forsake you.”
(Heb 13:5 KJV)
Uncertainty can disturb ones peace of mind, but that need not be the case. The Psalmist wrote so beautifully --
… “In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: "Flee like a bird to your mountain. For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?" The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne. He observes the sons of men; his eyes examine them. The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked and those who love violence his soul hates. On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot. For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face.”(Ps 11 NIV)