Discovery Journal

Kevin T. – July 11, 2010

Scripture:

Isaiah 8:12 - 14 And you are not to fear what they fear or be in dread of it. It is the Lord of hosts whom you should fear, and He shall be your dread. Then He shall become a sanctuary.

Observation:

In the midst of wars and chaos, stronger nations taking over weaker ones, and all the other problems that are specific or universal to each time in history, the Lord is the One to truly be feared, not the circumstances. In the context this passage is found we have a window into God's hand bringing judgement and His coordinating of world events that is not always as obvious day to day. He is the One to be reckoned with. He is the One to be taken seriously.

Application:

Fear and dread of God are not talked about much these days, but I am realizing that they are necessary components to a healthy perspective of who God is. It is true that He is our friend and our Father, but He is also unimaginably awesome, powerful, and sovereign. With all the bad stuff that can and will go on around us, it is important not to resemble the world and the way it fears. The world fears in a helpless and self-preserving way with little to no thought of God. Yes, a lot is going wrong and a lot more can and will go wrong, but to be in awe of God is the safest place. There are forces at work that are maniacal and beyond our understanding, but God eclipses these forces. This is a God to be in fear and dread of. His thoughts are what I should be concerned with. This scripture just puts me in a place of realizing a little more how awesome, and how awe-full he is. He is indeed a Lion and a Lamb.

Prayer:

Father, though You are kind and compassionate, You are also holy and righteous. Help me understand how to fear You and have a true awe for Your power and might. Help me live in an awareness of knowing that You see all and to You, the almighty One, I give an account.