{More than 5 minutes of writing today because sometimes I'm not quite there yet.}
Isaiah 7:4
"Be careful, be quiet, do not fear and do not let your heart be faint." NASB
"Listen, calm down. Don't be afraid. And don't panic over ..." The Message
"Take heed and be quiet; do not fear or be faint hearted for ..." NKJV
Three different versions of the advice to a king with an enemy on his doorstep. Today those words speak to me as I face not an enemy but a mountain of 'to-do's.'
Take heed - or listen. Follow my advice. Pay attention.
Be quiet. Lord, is 'be still' implied in this? It's impossible for me to hear unless I'm quiet, and quiet is usually accompanied by stillness. Quiet is rare in our world. Quiet does not happen without intent and purpose.
Don't be afraid - do not fear. Does this mean don't fear my inadequacies? Don't fear that I will fail? Don't fear that I will disappoint others?
Do not let your heart be faint. Don't panic. You mean I have control over this response? What?!?! How?
Faint heart --------- fixed heart
Panic ------------------- promise
My child, fix your heart, your focus on me first. Seek me first, lay everything before me, and rise to face the day firm and steadfast. This is not advice, it's more like the law of gravity, cause and effect.
My child, panic arises from a lack of trust. I say this not to chide you but to remind you there is another way. My promises erase panic. When you cling to and trust in the truth that I am good, I am love, and I am with you, your heart is strengthened and peace replaces panic. Another cause and effect.
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