Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.

I have to admit: out of all the books of the Bible, the books of Isaiah and Psalms are the ones I personally keep coming back to over and over, the ones I get the most blessings from. (You will probably notice many references to these two books in my devotionals and studies.) I am continually intrigued by the multitude of references to safety, trust, refuge, sanctuary, rock, shelter, fortress, among many others. This life is not easy, especially for the child of God. As Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 15:19, If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. Why did he say that? Because there are many trials that the Christian goes through, that the lost do not experience chastisement, pruning, refining, being made more like the Lord Jesus Christ. In light of eternity and the glory that awaits us, all these trials pale in comparison, but that doesn’t diminish the trials, it just makes them more bearable. This world is not Heaven, nor is it intended to be. As a friend of mine stated in one of her beautiful poems, we’re Not Home Yet!

Because this life at times seems so tough, we continually need to run to the Lord for sanctuary, for a refuge in the storms of life. I have dealt before with who our Refuge is – Jesus Christ, and the importance of finding our refuge in Him. This study will deal with the blessings of assurance, the benefits of trusting in the Lord through our trials, and through our day to day interaction with this lost world.

Psalm 35:3 Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation. While the context of this Psalm of David deals with physical salvation (deliverance) from enemies, I believe we could pray for the Lord to give us assurance of our spiritual salvation. Lord, for everyone who will be reading this study who has placed personal faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sin, I pray that You would strengthen their faith and say unto their souls that You are their salvation. Teach us, Heavenly Father, what it means to trust in You.

The central verse of the King James Bible is Psalm 118:8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is interesting to note that the theme of this verse is also the grand theme of the whole Bible. Truly, it is better to place our confidence, our trust, in the Lord – both for salvation from sin, and confidence in our daily spiritual walk – than to trust in anything else. All else will fail us in time, whether it be the philosophies of man, the strength of our armies, the “righteousnesses” of our own “good works” (see Isaiah 64:6), or whatever other broken reeds we may be relying on. The only sure thing in this life (and in eternity) is the Lord Jesus Christ, and He never changes! (See Malachi 3:6 and Hebrews 13:8) We can believe that He will fulfill all His promises, including the promise of the victorious, abundant life, if we will abide in Him.

If you have never trusted in the Lord for salvation, I encourage you to do so. Jesus has paid the price for all our sins by shedding His blood on Calvary. He died, was buried in a rich man’s tomb, and arose three days later to prove that His sacrifice was well-pleasing to God. You don’t need to work your way to Heaven (in fact, you will never be able to!) – you just need to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, acknowledging and turning from your sins, and trusting in His righteousness to save you. Believe that He can and will save you, and trust Him to do so. From that moment on, you will become a new creature, all things will be made new in your life, and Heaven will be your eternal home. (See 2 Corinthians 5:17)

Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. The word for quietness used here means “to repose.” Repose, according to Webster s 1828 Dictionary means “to lay at rest; rest of mind, tranquility, freedom from uneasiness.” The outlook of those trusting in the Lord should be peace, quietness, assurance, tranquility. I believe that those who truly rely on the Lord will demonstrate a calm demeanor while their focus remains steadfast on Him. Isaiah 30:15 For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not. I pray that we would return to Him for our rest, and that our confidence in Him would not waver.

In Isaiah 32:17 (quoted above), the word for assurance is Strong s #983, which means “a place of refuge; abstract, safety, both the fact (security) and the feeling (trust).” This assurance can be seen in the following verses:

Psalm 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for Thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

Psalm 16:9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

Proverbs 1:33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

Proverbs 3:23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.

Proverbs 10:9 He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.

Psalm 56:3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee. The word for trust in this verse is Strong’s #982, which means “to hasten (run with haste) for refuge; figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure.” The following verses all contain this same Hebrew word. For the sake of convenience, I have underlined the word or phrase that this word is translated into in our King James Bible. There are many others verses that could be covered in this study, but I have chosen mainly to focus on this Hebrew word (in verses dealing with our trust in the Lord), and the blessings that come with this unwavering confidence in Jesus Christ.

2 Kings 18:5 He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him. I pray that all those who read this study will grow in their faith, like King Hezekiah did, and that the Lord will be able to say that our faith and trust in Him exceeded that of those around us.

Spiritual Blessings

Psalm 84:12 O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in Thee.

Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.

Abounding Mercy

Psalm 32:10 Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.

Psalm 52:8 But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.

Freedom From Debilitating Fear

Psalm 27:3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

Psalm 56:4 In God I will praise His word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

Psalm 112:7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.

Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

Proverbs 28:1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. Those who put their trust in Christ will find they have the boldness and confidence they need in their service to Him.

Deliverance From Enemies And Troubles

1 Chronicles 5:20 And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that were with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and He was intreated of them; because they put their trust in Him.

Psalm 22:4-5 Our fathers trusted in Thee: they trusted, and Thou didst deliver them. They cried unto Thee, and were delivered: they trusted in Thee, and were not confounded.

Jeremiah 39:18 For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in Me, saith the LORD.

Refuge In The Storms Of Life

Psalm 62:8 Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. Selah means”pause, meditation.” The Lord is telling us to meditate on these truths. We should let this promise sink deep into our hearts, and trust the Lord to fulfill His Word to be our refuge.

Psalm 91:2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust.

Isaiah 50:10 Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of His servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.

Daily Guidance And Provision

Psalm 37:3, 5 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 28:25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

His Peace, His Presence, And His Prevention From Falling

Isaiah 26:3-4 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

Psalm 9:10 And they that know Thy name will put their trust in Thee: for Thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek Thee.

Psalm 26:1 Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide.

Rejoicing Hearts And A Song In Our Mouths

Psalm 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise Him.

Psalm 33:21 For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name.

Psalm 40:3 And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

Isaiah 12:2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation.

There are three places in the New Testament where the phrase full assurance is mentioned:

Colossians 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

Hebrews 6:11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:

Hebrews 10:22-25 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised😉 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

This last phrase is the one I want to emphasize in this study – the full assurance of faith. This is spoken in the context of approaching the throne of grace in prayer, and comes just before the great Faith chapter. Paul says here that He is faithful that promised . If we truly believe that the Lord is faithful to keep all His promises and to answer His children’s prayers according to His perfect will, our lives will be transformed. We see in Hebrews chapter eleven how the Lord mightily used those who had a confident, unwavering faith in Him. Think what an impact this type of faith can have in your life!

I hope that these verses and promises have made you realize the importance of trusting in the Lord every moment of every day. There are so many blessings to keeping our focus on Jesus Christ, especially the benefit of the victorious Christian life. It is not a myth or an unreachable goal, but it is one that involves a steadfast heart that chooses to focus on the Lord no matter what. A heart that looks to Him in the good times, and still keeps looking to Him when the storm clouds break overhead. Keep looking unto Jesus – You will be blessed in your walk with Him if you do.

Psalm 4:5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.

“Do not, dear reader, look so much upon painful circumstances and difficult situations as unpleasant trials of faith which have to be endured, but rather thankfully regard them as golden occasions for you to prove afresh the sufficiency of Him who never fails those who fully trust Him.” – Arthur Pink.

Full Assurance
(To the tune of So Little Time)

Full assurance – we pray – of understanding
Is yours in Christ – you are complete in Him.
Riches above, are stored in Heaven waiting.
Rejoice, my friend, you’re a child of the King.

Chorus:
Today we serve, with fullness of understanding,
Assurance of hope, through eyes of faith;
So let us love our dear Lord supremely.
Let us be faithful, as we run this race.

Full assurance, stand fast in this your hope now.
Be diligent, be faithful to the end.
A crown of life, rewards for those who serve Christ –
Jesus remembers all that’s done for Him.

Full assurance – steadfast is the eye of faith.
Approach God’s throne, with boldness, plead for souls.
Let us draw near, give all our cares to Jesus;
Behold the prize – press on towards the goal.

2nd Chorus:
Today we serve, with fullness of understanding,
Assurance of hope, through eyes of faith;
So let us love our Saviour supremely.
Brethren, be faithful, as you run this race.

Poem written January 22nd, 2004
Study written August 30th, 2002
By Jerry Bouey