Think Differently

Most of us have no concept of what life was like for the Israelites in the Old Testament. The men were often sent off to war, many not returning. There was no comfort of a forever-home to stay in for years at a time. Surrounding enemies often attacked Israel unaware; families were torn apart, often taken into other nations in exile, and planning for their future seemed futile. Life was always changing…

With constant change and impending war, came fear. This anxiety of “Oh no, what calamity is next?” tested their faith and consumed their minds. God knew this and sent Isaiah the prophet with a message. “Do not think like everyone else does. Do not be afraid that some plan conceived behind closed doors will be the end of you. Do not fear anything except the Lord Almighty. He alone is the Holy One. If you fear Him, you need fear NOTHING else” (Isaiah 8:11-13).

To fear evil over God, is to cast our vote that we secretly believe Satan is more powerful than God. We have much to glean from Isaiah’s message. First, we must, “Set our minds on Christ.” We cannot live constantly fretting what might happen next, but purpose to seek what God will do next. He is still our Great Deliverer, and specializes in “Making a way of escape that we may be able to bear it.” We must trust Him with our whole hearts.

May we approach these perilous days with eyes locked on Christ, and hearts that are anticipating a great and mighty move of God. We must not fear, but trust Him wholly. When we align our hearts to His, we will automatically think differently, and our burdens seem to lift in the Light of His majesty.

(Devotional by Cheryl Hall-Laos)