“And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation; the fear of the LORD is his treasure.” (Isa. 33:6)
The Old Testament prophets, as Isaiah was, were a uniquely called and gifted group of people whose purpose was to speak words from the Lord to nations walking in disobedience, to peoples who needed rebuke and exhortation about things yet to come. Through the Prophets God spoke unchanging realities about His current and future work in the world. Isaiah’s prophecies often pointed to God’s power to restore and His authority to redeem!
Years ago I began a practice of taking out a calendar each month, counting out the next 90 days in order to begin planning, thinking, and adding some things to my schedule, as well as taking some off. As we have all learned, though, there are times that planning can be a futile exercise… ever been surprised? My usual response is to try and think it through, work it out, pray it changes, ask for advice by leaning on my resources.
What I have found over time is that if I have wisdom and knowledge, I can put things in an order that begin to make sense and workout. Which brings me to this verse. What are wisdom and knowledge and how do I get the combination? As humans there has never been a time where wisdom and knowledge have been more readily available. But what about God’s wisdom and knowledge?
Isaiah makes a strong declaration that “wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of thy times.” As the prophet of God he says this during a prayer unto the Lord, identifying that wisdom (the ability to master or perfect) and knowledge (a deep awareness of circumstances) would be the stability of our times.
When I first read this verse years ago the word ‘stability’ grabbed my spirit because there is never a time that we as humans don’t seek stability…Whether it be at our job and home, or with our finances and family. The even more exciting part was that stability could be found in “My times”. Ask ten people to describe to you stability and you will get various ideas, explanations and highlighted examples. What does stability look like, feel like to you? My own version of wisdom and knowledge might help with working through scheduling conflicts, how to create long term earthly plans, or what to add and what to subtract over the next 90 days… but His wisdom and knowledge give His children stability in our times!
The prophet is giving a clear picture that God is not only sovereign but that His wisdom knows exactly how to master and perfect that circumstance, confusion or trial that is in your life. His wisdom knows. Whether He gives or takes away God knows how to accomplish that which concerns us, but it gets even better… He also has a deep awareness of the circumstances. Not only does he know how to do it, he is aware of the circumstances. Your circumstances. You know, the ones that you don’t share. The ones that you’re afraid to think or talk about.
Knowledge says “They can’t find their way to forgiveness”
Wisdom says “I will become an advocate”
Find stability in this, our sovereign God is providing stability in your times through his wisdom and knowledge. Yes, stability for you! God is working for your good, in your times.
I asked a famed French asset manager (with an unusually prudent long term track record of investment success) “What is the basis for each decision you make?” He replied, “The future is uncertain, and I build from that reality everyday.” Saint of God be encouraged… your times, your next 90 days (use any time frame you like) your family, your children, your job and your home all may feel uncertain, but rest in God because He is working in your life with both wisdom and knowledge!
He knows where you are and what’s in front of you. He knows what’s behind you and around you. He knows what keeps you up at night. He knows who has hindered you and He is working for your good.
Be confident in our personal God who doesn’t simply work it out or fix it, but He works it out specifically for you!
Paul experienced and knew it! In praise he said,
“Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgements, and his ways past finding out!” (Rom. 11:33)
Rev. Doug Hughes