The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in Your name.” He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:17-20.

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to His disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Mark 4:39-40.

Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:24 NKJV.

I couldn’t help but think of the first verse cited above as I read our chapter, Isaiah 14, because not only was Satan cast down, but so have been the mighty empires of old that were so ruthless, and so will be all pride and sin cast down when Jesus returns. Verses 1-11 talk about how mighty Babylon has fallen and those who died at their hand respond, “You also have become weak, as we are; you have become like us.” All your pomp has been brought down to the grave, along with the noise of your harps; maggots are spread out beneath you and worms cover you. v. 10-11. And then Isaiah describes what happens to Satan, the one who brings the nations low in following his sin…How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in your heart, “I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.”…v. 12-14. And then the powerful kings fates…But you are brought down to the realm of the dead, to the depths of the pit. Those who see you stare at you, they ponder your fate: “Is this the man who shook the earth and made kingdoms tremble, the man who made the world a wilderness, who overthrew its cities and would not let his captives go home?”…v. 15-17. Isaiah goes on with Assyria, with the Philistines, empires long gone, v. 24-32.

We are living in troubling times with so much uncertainty. And yet…when we turn to Creator God…Father…Son…Spirit, we turn to hope in the One who made life possible. Love of family, mornings bursting with sunshine, life brimming in animals and plants of every kind. That is what gives me hope and He is the One who gives me courage when my heart is faint with worries and fears. I trust God to lead me forward and with Him my heart knows peace because I have given Him my heart and He knows when to be tender and when to strengthen me. He knows your heart, too. He knows your fears and worries and frustrations. Hope in the Lord and He shall strengthen your heart.