Words to Soothe the Christian’s Soul

By David Ettinger

A Soothing Passage
We live in a dark and ever darkening world. I think you’ll agree with this brilliant observation. You’ll also agree that living in such a dark world can cause us tension, fear, worry, and strife. Of course God’s Word tells us not to worry:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).

This is a soothing – and well-known – passage believers cling to, and for good reason (though difficult to abide by). In fact, this passage is probably in the Top 20 of most Christians’ Bible-memorization lists.

Another Soothing Passage
And here’s another one, certainly more obscure, but when I came across it, I knew I needed it to share it. This wonderful and soothing passage comes from Isaiah (Chapter 51), and reads this way:

Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies. But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail (v. 6).

Hear me, you who know what is right, you people who have taken my instruction to heart: Do not fear the reproach of mere mortals or be terrified by their insults (v. 7).

For the moth will eat them up like a garment; the worm will devour them like wool. But my righteousness will last forever, my salvation through all generations (v. 8).

A Brief Breakdown
In verse 6, the Lord makes clear that this planet on which we live will one day be destroyed. Actually, it will be remade (Isaiah 65:17; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1). Contrasted with the temporal reality of this world is the permanence – the eternality – of God’s salvation and righteousness. This is our assurance that no matter what happens in this world, those who have given their lives to Jesus Christ will be safe and secure for eternity!

In verse 7, God encourages us to not fear evil men and women. In fact, Jesus said, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). And just as God can condemn the wicked to eternal punishment, he can – and will – deliver His children into eternal paradise with Him!

In verse 8, God’s final vindication of the world is referenced where all evil will be judged and the righteous will be saved “forever.” The truth being expressed in this remarkable passage is that of eternal life with the Lord once this life – and this world – have passed.

Soothing Words
Yes, there is evil and darkness in this world, and this evil and darkness will touch God’s people in one way or another. But, it is only for a time. Those who love the Lord Jesus will inherit peace and goodness for eternity, as the Lord assures us that “my righteousness will last forever, my salvation through all generations” (vs. 8).

So lift up your eyes, believer, God’s salvation is coming soon. What marvelous words to soothe the troubled soul!

David Ettinger is a writer/editor at Zion’s Hope, Inc., and has written for Zion’s Fire magazine since its inception in 1990.

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