Isaiah 33 5 6 NKJV The Lord is

Isaiah 33: 5 -6 (NKJV) The Lord is exalted, for He dwells on high; He has filled Zion with justice and righteousness. [6] Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, And the strength of salvation; The fear of the Lord is His treasure. * In the days of Isaiah, (700 B. C. ), Assyria had taken Israel into captivity and was marching toward Judah. (cf. Is. 37) * Indeed - Judah was facing perilous times. * To whom would they turn for help? For security? For Deliverance? * Isaiah was sent to warn them not to put their trust in men – but in 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

The Effects of Such Things • Instability & Confusion • Discouragement & Depression. . . • Murmuring & Complaining. . . • Negativity & Hopelessness. . . • Anxiety & Fear. . . • 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

Why do MANY lack stability in their lives? • Because they lack wisdom, knowledge, and salvation. . . • Their full confidence is not in the Lord!!

But Those Who Fear The Lord? • Seek wisdom & Knowledge – • They seek to strengthen their faith!! • Stand in the day of adversity!!!!

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)