praying effectively: Do Not Fear the Reproach of Man (Is.51)

(Isaiah 51:7-11)

7 “Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, a people in whose heart is My law; do not fear the reproach of man, nor be dismayed at their revilings.
8 “For the moth will eat them like a garment, and the grub will eat them like wool. But My righteousness will be forever, and My salvation to all generations.”

9 Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the Lord; awake as in the days of old, the generations of long ago. Was it not You who cut Rahab in pieces, Who pierced the dragon?
10 Was it not You who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep; Who made the depths of the sea a pathway for the redeemed to cross over?
11 So the ransomed of the Lord will return and come with joyful shouting to Zion, and everlasting joy will be on their heads. They will obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that we do not fear the reproach of men (51:7)

- that we are not discouraged at the reviling of men (51:7)

- that we listen to God (51:7)

- that God's people wake up (51:9)

- that God's people put on the strength of the Lord (51:9)

- that the Israelites will one day return to the Lord and join Him in the Millennial kingdom (51:11)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, we look to You for our strength, courage and guidance.  Help us to not feel daunted by people's disdain or disappointment in us.  Help us to seek and live for Your approval and not for the approval of others.  

Thank You for Your salvation, and the eternal security that all believers have in You.  Help us realize and live with contentment in Your hope and joy.  May the Israelites wake up soon and see their need for You.  Amen.