Isaiah 31

Isaiah 31:3 NIV

But the Egyptians are mere mortals and not God;
their horses are flesh and not spirit.
When the Lord  stretches out his hand,
those who help will stumble,
those who are helped will fall;
all will perish together.

In the last chapter the issue of security arose. It is interesting that when our security is in the wrong thing our fear often increases. Do you look to the Egyptians for security? "But the Egyptians are mere mortals and not God; their horses are flesh and not spirit." Do we trust our credit rating, our home equity or our ability to always find work? Then a shaky economy where credit is not available, home values are plummeting and jobs are non-existent threaten our security. Every shaky economic indicator becomes a reason to fear. Realizing the frailty and vulnerability of the very thing we look to for hope becomes a source of fear.

God says of Egypt, "those who help will stumble'" and of Assyria in verse 9, "Their stronghold will fall because of terror." The very thing we look to for hope, protection and security is itself insecure. The thing we fear is itself fearful. Hope in the Lord. He is the immoveable rock, the hope of the nations, the fearless one that all else fears. He is the only source of security that does not lead to more fear.

Father, forgive me for the times I have looked to the wrong things for security. They have always failed, but you have always been there. Thank you for the times you have faithfully provided, protected and guided in spite of my own frailty. In you I trust.

By His grace,
Rick