Isaiah 7:4
These were the words spoken to Ahaz, king of Judah, as he faced the threat of being attacked by two kings from the north. He was instructed: “Be careful, be quiet, and do not fear” (Isaiah 7:4). The prophet’s words came at a critical time for the king and the nation. Let’s look at these three words in their context.

BE CAREFUL
Those who react emotionally to any situation will surely accelerate the problem. You never get a chance to step back from the event and take a broader look. An unemotional view gives you an opportunity to evaluate the situation with clarity.

Be careful to be intentional and not reactionary. Be careful to not react like everyone else. Take time to carefully consider your next steps.

BE QUIET
Words are powerful. Words that are driven by emotion can confuse the situation at hand. Words that come from fear can be destructive. Anger driven words can cause wounds that are difficult to heal. Words of faith can improve the temperament of any group of people.

Silence is often the best first response to any tragic or fearful event. You may have many words to speak, but silence needs to be your first choice of reaction.

Silence gives you a chance to let your feelings settle. It also allows you to “buffer” your thoughts and think first before you speak.

It also gives you an opportunity to listen to the Holy Spirit. What is God saying to you in this situation? How does God want you to react?

DO NOT FEAR
We are reminded in 2 Timothy 1:7 that “… God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” Either you can be self-controlled or you’ll be controlled by fear. In any situation, the control of your tongue, emotions, and reactions are in your hand. Until you give control to someone else, it is yours to use.

But once you give in to fear, you lose control. You have made an exchange that is irrevocable. Now, fear is in control, not you. Once fear is in control, you have already lost the battle even before it begins. Stay in control of every situation.

To keep control of every situation, you’ve got to be careful, be quiet, and don’t fear.

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