As the dog days of summer drag on, there’s one trend I’ve noticed in some of our youth and in social-media networks such as Facebook – there’s a LOT of hurt going on in society. I had the privilege to take a group of 18 down to Orange Beach, Alabama recently, and throughout our small group times, one of the things I kept experiencing over and over again, was that a lot of our youth are hurting, and calling out for help. I honestly feel blessed to be near them during these difficult times, trying to help and minister where God leads – but maybe some of you are going through the same thing – so here’s a pick-me-up pack of Scripture to see you through – it’s a strengthening passage.
The Scripture is found in Isaiah 54, a book in which the prophet Isaiah gives credit to God’s judgment and salvation – and in chapter 54 the LORD gives hope to what seemed like some hopeless times…
“Do not be afraid; you will not suffer shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated.” – it says in verse 4…
“’Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed’ says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” – verse 10.
“…no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you… declares the LORD.” – wrapping up with verse 17.
Tough times – He’ll see you through.
Harsh words – He’ll defend you.
Difficult circumstances – He’ll carry you.
Is anybody there? – I AM declares the LORD.
So, no matter what you’re going through – He’s already informed us that “no weapon formed against you will prosper.” It’s just up to us whether or not to trust in the LORD. He’s already given us promises – we just have to have the faith that what He’s said is going to happen – and it WILL, if we put our trust in Him.
Aaron Keyes, the worship leader for our camp at Orange Beach penned a song about this passage of Scripture, in conjunction with Psalm 91, a prayer of Moses, and it speaks volumes to difficult times and tough happenings around us.
Verse 1 of Psalm 91 starts off by saying, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
He speaks of how He will protect us, in verse 11 where He says, “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;” and it’s all because He loves us, and He is responding to our love for Him – “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.” – verse 14.
The question is, do you love Him? Do you know Him? And, quite simply, do you trust Him?
One thing is certain – the passages of Scripture do not lie, nor lead to confusion – so put your hope in Him, and rely on His protection, no matter what you’re going through.
Here’s a snippet of the song DWELL , by Aaron Keyes
“Though a thousand may fall at my side
Though the enemy war against me
I will not fear the terror by night
I will hide in the shadow of your wings
I will dwell in the shelter of the most high God
I will rest in the beauty of your presence
Your faithfulness is a shield and my great reward
I will not be afraid, I will trust in the LORD
No weapon formed against me will prosper – says the LORD.”