2. Isaiah 33:5-6 (NKJV) The Lord is exalted, for He dwells on high; He has filled Zion with justice and righteousness. [6] Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, And the strength of salvation; The fear of the Lord is His treasure. The Lord is exalted, for He dwells on high; He has filled Zion with justice and righteousness. [6] Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, And the strength of salvation; The fear of the Lord is His treasure. *In the days of Isaiah, (700 B.C.), Assyria had taken Israel into captivity and was marching toward Judah. (cf. Is. 37) *Indeed - Judah was facing perilous times. *To whom would they turn for help? For security? For Deliverance? *Isaiah was sent to warn them not to put their trust in men – but in God...

3. The tsunami that killed some 250,000 people in Southeast Asia in December of 2004... Hurricane Katrina with its devastating toll on the MS & LA Gulf Coast, killing 1,200 people... Hurricane Rita –devastating the LA and TX gulf coast region. An earthquake that took over 79,000 lives in South Asia. Hurricane Wilma, at one time the most powerful storm ever measured in the Atlantic Basin, is stalking the Florida coast, Experts are warning of a deadly avian flu pandemic... Don’t forget about terrorism, the war, economic concerns, crime, worldliness, cancer, accidents, and the rest of the troubles from day to day, (Mat. 6:34)

4. Instability & Confusion Discouragement & Depression... Murmuring & Complaining... Negativity & Hopelessness... Anxiety & Fear... The Effects of Such Things Steadiness & Certain Contented & Confident, Praising & Encouraging, Optimistic & Hopeful, Joy & Peace,

5. Through wisdom & Knowledge: Preventing one from falling into the pitfalls of life – Prov. 2:6-22; Provides comfort & confidence in the times of turmoil – Prov. 3:21-26 Provides for those who trust him – James 1:5-8

6. Provides salvation : Whom shall we fear? - Psalm 27:1,2; Mat 10:28 We can find strength in the Lord - 28:8; Acts 14:22 We are more than conquerors - Rom 8:31-39; Where is our focus? Mat. 6; 2 Cor. 5:1,5-8

7. The Key – The Fear of The Lord: Strength is provided to all who fear & trust Him – Prov 1:7; 9:10; 19:23; 14:26,27 Those who fear the Lord depart from evil – Prov. 16:16 God accepts all who fear and obey Him – Act 10:34; Phili 2:12

8. Because they lack wisdom, knowledge, and salvation... Their full confidence is not in the Lord!! Why do MANY lack stability in their lives?

9. Seek wisdom & Knowledge – They seek to strengthen their faith!! Stand in the day of adversity!!!! But Those Who Fear The Lord?

10. Hebrews 13:6 (NKJV) So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"

11. God has not promised, Skies always blue, Flower-strewn pathways, All our lives through; God has not promised, Sun without rain, Joy without sorrow, Peace without pain....

12. But God has promised, Strength for the day, Rest for the labor, Light for the way; Yes, God has promised, Grace for the trials, Help from above, Unfailing sympathy, and undying love. (UNKNOWN)