Title: Encouragement of God (Isaiah 40:27-31)
In World War II, many people lost their lives. However, it is noteworthy that many people died from direct injuries during the war, but the natural death rate also increased significantly. A scholar studying this fact has attributed the disease to many natural deaths as “disappointment.” Inflammation from war, fear that he might die, and anxiety about the future, he became so deeply discouraged that it led to his death. It is a terrifying disease that takes away the will to live in despair. Especially for believers, discouragement is a terrible enemy that causes them to lose their faith in God. Isaiah delivers the comfort of God to those who are discouraged through the text. We need not be discouraged. Why?
1. Because God knows our circumstances.
2. Because Almighty God is with us.
3. Because the God who loves us is with us.
Even though He knows all our circumstances and has the power to solve our difficulties, if such a God becomes our enemy, we will only get despair. In fact, all human beings have already had no choice but to risk becoming enemies with God because of their sins. But God declared his love for humans even though they sinned and turned away from God. Therefore, even though the Almighty God, who can overcome all our difficulties, is with us and says that He loves us, is it really possible that we become discouraged and frustrated? He will keep from all the wiles of the wicked. The love that surrounds you will completely shut off the hand of the evil one. There can be no discouragement in those whom God loves (Psalm 42:5,6).
Saints!
It is not as easy as it sounds to keep your faith in the midst of various afflictions. However, even if we fail and fall from time to time, we should never lose heart as we resolve to stand up again each time, because the Almighty God who knows our circumstances and loves us is always with us. Saints! Are you in the midst of discouragement? I hope you will stand up once again by holding the hand of God who is watching you who are bowing your head and confessing your love.