David's Deliberations . . .
Troublesome Times
20 March 2011The LORD is exalted, for He dwells on high; He has filled Zion with justice and righteousness. And He will be the stability of your times, A wealth of salvation, wisdom and knowledge; The fear of the LORD is his treasure.The wisdom and knowledge as here refers to the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord (See Colossians 1:9-10). Though we are thousands of years removed from the days of Isaiah, this counsel is still viable today. In troubled times, the Lord provides us stability, a foundation upon which to stand firm. Many of the difficult things we face today--sickness, death, natural disasters--are common throughout the ages See Job 14), while others are more unique to our times: threat of nuclear holocaust, environmental pollution, stagflation, road rage. Some of us react to these with anxiety and fear, others with sadness or depression. Still others, though they experience the same things which discourage and even devastate others, do not seem to be disturbed. They may even be cheerful! Why the different reaction? The Lord provides stability for them in troubled times. Isaiah shows us how the Lord does this. (33:6) The New King James Version reads "Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times" Spiritual wisdom and knowledge can help us face the vicisitudes of life by guiding and protecting one from the pitfalls (Proverbs 2:6-22), while providing comfort and confidence in times of turmoil (Proverbs 3:21-26). God is willing to give wisdom to those who ask Him for it (James 1:5-8). The "wealth of salvation" that the Lord provides is another source of strength for the Christian. If we know we have a place with the Lord in eternity, we can better face the adversities of this life. Notice Paul's example:
Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18But what is the key to this treasure of wisdom, knowledge and salvation from the Lord? In Isaiah 33:6, we find that it is a fear fo the Lord. The fear of the Lord is essential to gaining wisdom and knowledge: it is "the beginning of knowledge" (Proverbs 1:7) and "the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10). It is also necessary to receiving salvation (see Acts 10:34-35; 13:26), and for spiritual growth (Philippians 2:12. See also Proverbs 14:26-27; 16:6). A proper fear of the Lord prompts us to turn from evil and toward God, finding that knowledge, wisdom, and salvation that provide "the stability of your times." Armed with these we can truly say "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:6)
—David Carl Swanson
