Be careful, be quiet do not fear, and do not let your heart be faint…(Isaiah 7:4, ESV)

​

The most aggravating thing about getting older has been changes to my vision. I once could read tiny print without a second thought.  Now it takes good light and reading glasses. Worse than low physical vision is low spiritual vision. Often, in troubling circumstances, we only see the immediate. Unlike God, we can't see the future and our present can be clouded by past experiences. As a result, when faced with challenges, we find ourselves overwhelmed, anxious, and afraid.

​

King Ahaz had similar vision issues. He was surrounded by enemy armies ready to attack, and he was afraid. Scripture says his heart "shook like a tree in the wind." Yet in the middle of his fear, God sent a promise. First, God spoke to Ahaz's immediate circumstances, assuring him that these enemy attacks would not stand. Even better, God gave Ahaz a glimpse of a greater promise. Isaiah 7:14 declares, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son and shall call his name Immanuel."

​

We cannot see with the clarity of God, yet we have the same promise that Isaiah spoke to Ahaz. Our circumstances may seem overwhelming, but because God is with us, we don't have to give in to our emotions. We can invite the promised Child, Jesus, into our circumstances, and we can follow the command to Ahaz, "Be careful, be quiet, do not fear, and do not let your heart be faint..." (Isaiah 7:4) Why? Because the promised One has come, and God is with us.

 

Question to ponder: How am I actively seeking God and His peace in the middle of overwhelming circumstances?

​

Prayer: Lord, thank You for always being with us in every circumstance. You know the end from the beginning, and we can trust that You are working all things out for our good and Your glory. This life can be overwhelming, but we can quietly rest in the knowledge that we are not alone and are held always in Your loving care.