The Sure Foundation For Your Times

I studied Isaiah 33 for awhile, but there was a section I couldn't understand. Since the pandemic (Covid 19) started, it suggests new meaning to me which I would like to share. Here it is (Isaiah 33:10-14 NIV):

10 “Now will I arise,” says the Lord.
    “Now will I be exalted;
    now will I be lifted up.
11 You conceive chaff,
    you give birth to straw;
    your breath is a fire that consumes you.
12 The peoples will be burned to ashes;
    like cut thornbushes they will be set ablaze.”

13 You who are far away, hear what I have done;
    you who are near, acknowledge my power!
14 The sinners in Zion are terrified;
    trembling grips the godless:
“Who of us can dwell with the consuming fire?

    Who of us can dwell with everlasting burning?”

The phrase "your breath is a fire that consumes you" makes me think of this pandemic, the virus is like a fire that takes our breath away.

Is it perhaps a judgement on our global condition, that humans have of late conceived and birthed so many ideas that are not of substance - but worthless and "flammable" the way chaff and straw are flammable shells with no nutrition? I don't mean it's a judgement on individuals who are ill, because it refers to "the peoples" being set ablaze like cut thornbushes (eg. high contagion among everyone) and being "burned to ashes" (eg. many consumed, many cremations). The virus seems indifferent to who it infects.

I imagine everyone across the world will hear of what is happening (see Isaiah 33:13). Those in places more affected will notice changes that seem surreal in their countries. A short time ago, I could not have imagined anything that could cause such profound changes as these in such a short time:

• Vast economies throughout the world slowed and shutdown. 
• Huge cities quickly locked down and halted, except for essential services.
• Massive retailers and industries indefinietly closed.
• Sporting empires worldwide with delayed and cancelled events.
• The entertainment industry unable to film programs and movies, and theatres closed.
• The hospitality industry with empty rooms and vacant buildings.
• Weddings, funerals, conferences, concerts, churches, families - gatherings of all types put on hold.
• Restaurants and bars closed (except for drive throughs and delivery).
• Schools and universities closed, students learning online or at home.
• Airlines and transportation curtailed, highways empty.
• Cruises and travel - formerly a privilege, now a potential source of infection and stranding.
• Places renowned for longevity suddenly dangerous places for the aged to be.
• Powerful people equally as vulnerable as others to this disease.
• Stock markets and oil prices plummeting and erratic.

In short, the most popular - and populous - places and businesses suddenly became places to avoid. And in a world where the "outgoing" are often celebrated, people are suddenly encouraged to "stay home"!

Nothing I have ever witnessed has had such rapid and widespread influence over all the nations of the world, and all the institutions of power within it.

And as a result, people are reaching out to the Lord. It's good news in Isaiah 33:10 that the Lord says He will arise, be exalted and lifted up. I imagine there are many who, in their fear due to sickness or circumstance, will look to the Lord like never before. Perhaps some in their final hours,  but also I hope many who will recover and move forward with new respect for the Lord. I hope it changes this generation in a lasting and positive way by generating renewed interest in and respect for Him. By reaching out to God in this troubling time, people are acknowledging His power (see Isaiah 33:13)

I also hope we will recognize how the Lord works this for good in the lives of us believers. Ways he guides us, strengthens us, restores us, comforts us, changes us, and cares for us through this time and beyond. Isaiah 33:6 says:

6 

6 6       He will be the sure foundation for your times,
          a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge;
          the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.

This is in the same chapter (Isaiah 33) as the other verses, so it is referring to these times, our times. The chapter is titled "Distress and Help" in the NIV Bible, and also mentions a time beyond this. So take heart, the Lord is with us, is drawing many to Himself, and is a sure foundation for us in these present times. 

Disaster, With a Chance Of Rain.

One night I watched the news for a few minutes before bed, and felt so troubled afterward I wasn't sure I could sleep! Then I changed channels to check the weather forecast, and saw disasters happening around the world. Even when I avoid the news for awhile, I still hear heart wrenching stories from people around me, which add to my own worries. Yet I know the Lord wants me to love others, so how can I maintain faith and hope in the face of risks, disasters, and tragedies like we hear about each day? And how can I stop worrying when there is so much that can go wrong?

One way I interrupt troubled thoughts is to use this verse:

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8 NIV. 

It helps to choose each word and think about something that fits that description. For example, can I think of something "admirable"?

Also I consider these 2 scriptures, and what they mean to me when read together:

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6 NIV

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 NIV

So I remind myself that God rewards those who earnestly seek him, and works in all things for the good of those who love him. When facing a bad situation, I say to myself "God will bring good out of this." Granted, thinking it does not always make me 'feel' the certainty I would like to! But as I begin to align my thinking with the scriptures I will see examples of it happen, then more faith will grow.

What Everyone Knows About, But Nobody Can Do.

Have Christians got exclusive knowledge about right and wrong? I think even a quick look at other religions and philosophies (even atheism) would suggest that we all share many beliefs about moral behaviour. Studies show that even babies react when they witness unfair or hurtful actions. So if all people have a knowledge of right and wrong, what difference does Christianity make? There are many answers to that, but here is just one.

Despite their knowledge about right and wrong, people often act unethically in order to get by, or to gain an advantage. No one except Jesus avoided this. However, Christian faith can improve the ability to carry out moral decisions. How does this happen? Well, "...faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1 NIV). We grow to believe that God will take care of our needs, safety, and purpose, which enables us to live with less fear*. And each time we experience God's provision of these things, our faith is reinforced. This enables Christians to rely more on God and less on themselves over time, and as a result to act with less fear and selfishness than they did before. 

*So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NIV

Bug Guts

I plunge my microfibre cloth back into the warm soapy water, then work some more on the bug-splattered bumper and insect body parts wedged in the grill. As I scrub I think of my life, working hard to remove the scraps and bits from past injuries, my support group a sort of graveyard for lost souls like those on the bumper of this car. 
Not that I was completely finished, but parts of my life - my youth, my marriage, my early dreams - were dashed to pieces by the unstoppable force of a family member's drinking. Our capacity to heal is amazing, however. With the parts still intact, I learned to avoid more collisions and to gently comfort those still clinging to difficult relationships.

Psalm 34:18 NIV: The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Socks Disappear, But Mugs Multiply!

Cups used to multiply in my cupboard; ones with company logos, funny sayings, photographs and verses. Some arrived full of candy and wrapped in cellophane, others were earned, adopted, or left by former roommates. As such, they were full of stories and memories - even while empty - and I felt responsible to honor the memories by keeping those cups, even though at times I felt embarrassed by their unmatched informality.
Recently, I decided to have cups that were selected, and realized some of my old cups didn't even represent things I wanted to remember. So, I got rid of a few.
My new mugs are large ones in muted, solid colours: burgundy, blue, beige, grey. They are peaceful, replaceable, and chosen. I still keep a few mementos around, but they're not just what life handed me - they're what I chose to have and keep.

⁵ Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. (Psalm 16:5 NIV)

Too Little to Love?

Perched high in a tree, it's nose and feet are pinkish as though made to look like a child's stuffed toy. But the eyes of the opossum are not like a domestic animal, they have the determination of a creature that must always be vigilant, - for food, for predators, and even to maintain balance climbing trees.
I notice life does not always favour the tiny and cute, they can be stricken by the same ills that befall others. One might think because of their small stature and appeal that the Lord would spare them trials. The world, on the other hand, preaches survival of the fittest.  But if that were entirely true only large, brutish creatures would remain and our delicate species would have vanished. So while the small may not be favoured, neither are they ignored, but are given their needs just as all are provided for by God.

Luke 12:6

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.

Small Medium, or Large?

When I was young, I was curious about fortunetellers, mediums, and telekinesis. I wanted to know things by supernatural means, and have special skills that others admired so they would respect me. I was gifted with a high IQ, but nobody seemed to credit me with knowing answers about much (except on exams). Even now I read books about the gifts of the Holy Spirit and miracles, still hoping for supernatural power from a Christian vantage point. It's hard to be ordinary, to just live in the natural world where people get sick, unexpected things happen, and it seems like few want to hear about Christianity. I do believe God has supernatural power, but that most times He works within the natural system He created to bring things about. I guess what I really desired all along was to be listened to and respected, not really to be magical.
Leviticus 19:31 )(NIV)  "Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God."

Steps In A New Direction

For a few years, we (my spouse and I) had in mind to open a franchise at a certain location. He came up with the idea and did some research about the cost, but since we did not have the money to invest the idea was put on hold. We waited, and to our surprise we recently discovered that someone else opened that exact franchise in that exact location! We were certainly disappointed it wasn't ours, although it did affirm that the idea had merit. As I debated the comfort phrase "everything happens for a reason" against the pragmatic "this was a lost opportunity", the debate was settled as I recalled Proverb 16:9 "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps."

Opportunity Knocking

People have many longings, and try various ways to fulfill them. Some fear that that being a Christian might mean the desires of their heart will be ignored or removed. And yet, Christianity could be an opportunity to become exactly the person you were meant to be, desires and all. They are there for a reason, even if we struggle in our efforts to fulfill them. Here is a promise, "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."(Psalm 37:4)