How does Zechariah 8:15 encourage us to trust in God's promises today? God’s Resolve Then and Now “so now I have resolved again in these days to do good to Jerusalem and the house of Judah. Do not be afraid.” – Zechariah 8:15 Context Snapshot • Post-exile Judah was battered, under foreign rule, and weary from rebuilding. • God had earlier “resolved to bring disaster” because of their sin (v. 14) and He followed through. • Now He declares, with the same certainty, His resolve “to do good.” Unshakable Reasons to Trust the Promise • God’s track record is flawless. If He carried out judgment exactly as foretold, His promise of blessing is just as certain (Numbers 23:19; Isaiah 55:11). • The verb “resolved” (Hebrew: zāmam) signals a firm, deliberate decision. Nothing in heaven or earth can overturn His settled plan (Isaiah 46:10). • His goodness is not seasonal; it flows from His unchanging character (James 1:17). • He couples the promise with “Do not be afraid,” tying courage directly to confidence in His word (Joshua 1:9). How This Fuels Trust Today 1. Yesterday’s fulfillment proves tomorrow’s faithfulness. Every believer can look back at Scripture—and personal history—to see promises kept. 2. God’s goodness often follows discipline. If you feel you’re in a season of pruning, Zechariah 8:15 reminds you that restoration is His end game (Hebrews 12:10-11). 3. Fear evaporates when focus shifts from circumstances to God’s resolve. Anxiety shrinks beside the God who never wavers (Psalm 56:3-4). 4. The verse previews the ultimate good accomplished in Christ, where every promise finds its “Yes” (2 Corinthians 1:20). Daily Ways to Anchor in This Promise • Rehearse God’s past faithfulness—write down answered prayers and fulfilled Scriptures. • Pray Scripture back to Him, reminding your heart of His resolve to do good (Romans 8:28). • Replace fear statements (“What if…”) with faith declarations (“God has resolved…”). • Encourage others with the same certainty: if He said it, He will do it (Hebrews 10:23). Supporting Passages to Ponder • Jeremiah 29:11 – His plans for welfare, not calamity • Psalm 119:90 – His faithfulness through all generations • Isaiah 40:8 – His word stands forever • Romans 4:20-21 – Fully convinced God is able to do what He promised |
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