Verses 1-7
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Here God challenged the nations of the world to be strong and draw near to Him. He wanted them to witness His authority and power over all things, so that they would worship Him.
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But, as has happened in generations past, even after witnessing the power of God, and fearing, these nations only further strengthened their trust in their idols, resisting God even more.
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Don't be surprised when people witness God's works, and still choose their own way. Instead, be the one who fears God and worships Him!
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Notice that these idol-makers, when faced with fear, did encourage themselves, but in something that was a false hope.
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When you are afraid or struggling, make sure not to try to encourage yourself with something that is false or futile. Ask yourself whether the things you're seeking reassurance in are truly rooted in God's Word, or just lies posing as truth.
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Some foolishly take courage in their money, only to realize that money doesn't solve everything. When making foolish or sinful decisions, some take courage in their intelligence to escape the consequences, only to learn that sin always leads to death. Some, while in sin, will try to take courage in the thought that God will forgive them, only to learn that they were misusing God's grace and justifying their lack of seriousness about repentance. Avoid taking courage in these false hopes!
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Verses 8-20
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Then God encourages Israel. He will help them and protect them from their pagan enemies and provide for them even in harsh conditions. Even though they are as a worm, in helplessness and weakness, God will strengthen them and give them victory.
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These verses present for us a good reminder. Compared to the enemies that seek to destroy us, we are as worms. We have no strength or beauty in ourselves to succeed against any foe. But still, we are not to fear. How so? If we know that we like worms, we will have to place our entire faith in God and not even a little in ourselves.
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Remember often how weak you are, without God's power, to face our enemy, the devil. Have no confidence in yourself, but only in the name of Jesus Christ and the power of the Spirit.
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Then, when you see successes and victories, you will “consider and understand together, that the hand of the Lord has done this, and the Holy One of Israel has created it” (verse 20).
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Verses 21-29
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Here God shows how foolish it is to trust in anything besides Him, namely idols. We are to trust in God because He alone knows all things and declares what will happen in the future, whereas idols know nothing, let alone speak.
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Just as idols are such an abomination, those who trust in them are also an abomination (verse 24).
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Remember that when you trust in worthless things, you make yourself worthless. Serve God only, and seek godly wisdom for answers in all things.
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