The Stability Of Your Times – Cont.

Isaiah 33:5-6

But what is the key to this treasure of wisdom, knowledge and salvation from the Lord which is “the stability of your times”? In our text (Isa 33:6) we find the key to this stability. It is “the fear of the Lord.” Note the NIV: “the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure”. As noted elsewhere, the fear of the Lord is essential. To having wisdom and knowledge:
1) It is “the beginning of knowledge” - Pro 1:7 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
2) It is “the beginning of wisdom” - Pro 9:10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”
To receiving salvation:
1) It is necessary to be accepted by God - Ac 10:34-35 “So Peter opened his mouth and said: "Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.”
2) The message of salvation is given to those who have it - Ac 13:26 ‘"Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation.”
3) It is necessary for spiritual growth - Ph 2:12 “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,”

Why is the fear of the Lord necessary? “...by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil” - Pro 16:6 “By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil.” A reverence for God and His righteous judgments is an effective motivation. By departing from evil, we turn to God! “In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence...a place of refuge” - Pro 14:26 “In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.” When we turn to God, the fear of the Lord becomes a source of great blessings! Such as wisdom, knowledge, salvation, confidence, refuge; indeed “the fear of the Lord is a fountain of life”! - Pro 14:27 “The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.”

The essence of our study is this.... Those who lack stability in troubled times do so because they lack the wisdom, knowledge, and salvation of the Lord. They lack these things because they do not have the fear of the Lord! A proper fear of the Lord would prompt them to turn from evil and turn to God.... Where they would find His knowledge, wisdom, and salvation. Which in turn would provide “The Stability Of Your Times”!
With such stability, we can rightly say along with the writer to the Hebrews:
“The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (He 13:6)
Won’t you let the Lord provide you with the stability you need for these troubled times?

God has not promised, But God has promised,
Skies always blue Strength for the day,
Flower-strewn pathways, Rest for the labor,
All our lives through; Light for the way;

God has not promised, Yes, God has promised,
Sun without rain, Grace for the trials,
Joy without sorrow, Help from above,
Peace without pain. Unfailing sympathy, undying love.
-- Annie Johnson Flint