For the LORD spoke thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying: “ Do not say, ‘A conspiracy concerning all that this people call a conspiracy,’ nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. The LORD of hosts, Him you shall hallow; let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread. He will be as a sanctuary, but a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel, as a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Psalm 8: 11-15, NKJV.
Our Father and our God, we run into Your arms of mercy and beg You to provide us sanctuary from the evil one. Help us to acquire a new appreciation for this concept as we study Your Holy Word. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
In yesterday’s devotional we read how God warned Judah not to be afraid of the threats of the house of Israel, because neither their threats nor their curses would be of any effect against those who were faithfully trusting in the LORD, for God was with them. Today, we find that “both the houses of Israel,” have formed alliances with the heathen.
Now God is warning the prophet, as well as “the faithful few” not to join forces with the disobedient and fearful of heart. It is very encouraging to know that in every period of earth’s history, God has “a remnant.” It is to this group that the prophet is sharing the message, “Do not give merit to their words – do not repeat their threatening.”
It is a very interesting phenomenon the manner in which our own words can influence us for good or for evil. The things we say have a powerful effect, not only on the person we are saying them to, but upon ourselves as well. Even an individual’s tone of voice, exerts a powerful influence upon him or her. Therefore, the LORD is cautioning the prophet, as well as the faithful that are left among His people, not to repeat the words of the enemy! The statement that follows, gives us an idea of what effect these words were likely to produce: “nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” The result would have been fear and anxiety!
Instead, they were to focus on their Source of strength – “The LORD of hosts, Him you shall hallow[!] “There are such powerful lessons to be learned from this experience of the children of Israel and Judah. Do not allow your strength to be depleted by worrying about what the enemy is saying or doing. It is much more profitable to, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face; And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace” (Helen H. Lemmel)! Whatever those “things” are that are discouraging you (broken relationships, poor finances, faded dreams), they will cease to exert a negative influence upon you – when by faith, You look into the face of the One who has saved you by His grace! So look away from your problems and look to Jesus!
If you must fear someone – fear God! His fear is not like the fear of human beings. Unlike the fear we feel for one another, His fear does not debilitate or intimidate; to the contrary, it invigorates, and motivates! It strengthens and encourages! We are inspired by His majesty, and stand in awe of His power! These are the effects produced by, the “fear of the LORD!”
People who have lived in war-torn countries, who have fled as refugees to embassies, and other countries, seeking asylum know the benefits of sanctuary! For them sanctuary represents safety, security, a hiding place. It represents a place where they can “hide till life’s trials are o’er” (W. O. Cushing). They know that they will find protection.
May God help you and me, to find in God, our sanctuary. Then we will have no need to fear anything or anyone!