The Living Word: Be not dismayed
BY LEAORA SCHMIDT
thelivingword@mail.com
Lisa recalls times of uncertain support in times past. Working in a busy city as a part time temporary employee she was often informed that her work opportunity was ended, and thus the attendant meager pay check also ceased.
Always with a roof over her head, and never hungry, still the nagging anxiety about paying the rent and the uncertain future would gnaw at her mind during the interim before the next job came along. It became a comforting refrain to repeat the prayer of Habakkuk “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength...”(Habak- kuk 3:17-19)
Lisa says that God has never failed to comfort and provide throughout her life, especially during the most difficult trials. She asserts that even if our human support system vanishes and the future looks bleak, we can be assured that the divine supply has never ceased. God used people, as well as His promises, to bring her support in most surprising ways. Tears, grief, rejection, slander, abandonment, unjust judgment, in the past left her feeling helpless and defenceless, but all these assaults turned her more trustingly to depend upon God. She asserts that God has NEVER failed to supply all her needs through “His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (see Philippians 4:19). As practicing believers, we don’t escape the trials and temptations and grief that exist in the world. As followers of God we know that He walks with us through all these distressing circumstances, and transforms us by increasing our faith. These bleak periods that frighten and unsettle us serve to perfect our character as we learn to trust an unfailing God.
Here are some Biblical excerpts to bolster our faith:
God supplied manna in the desert to feed an estimated 2.4 million vulnerable Israelites for 40 years as they travelled to Canaan. They didn’t get sick. Their clothes didn’t wear out. He provided a cloud for covering from the heat of the sun by day, and a fiery cloud for light and warmth from the desert cold and wild beasts by night. He supplied water from a rock in the desert! Isn’t God likewise able to miraculously provide for those who are preparing for the heavenly Canaan?
God sent a raven to feed his faithful prophet Elijah during famine when in hiding from King Ahab who was seeking his life.
King David exulted, “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.”
Jesus affirmed, “But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.”
Peter encouraged,” Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you.
As many as 18 times we are encouraged, “Be not dismayed”, indicating that God has a solution and control over every situation.
The apostle Paul gave the assurance that even if “we are faithless, God remains faithful.”
(References for above: 1 Kings 17:1-7; Psalm 37:25; Deuteronomy 7:15, 29:5, 31:8; Exodus 13:21, 22; Isaiah 41:10; Luke 12:7; 2 Timothy 2:13 ESV; 1 Peter 5:7.)
Let us take courage from reviewing these stories and assurances, claim promises, and pray all avenues which serve to override our fears and build our trust in God’s faithfulness to provide. Then we can give praise by singing - Be not dismayed whate’er betide, God will take care of you; Refrain: God will take care of you, Through ev’ry day, O’er all the way; He will take care of you. God will take care of you.