My heart has been heavy for a young lady this week. Her walk with God is far from God. When I read a verse from Isaiah 30, I just had to read more. So when I read the chapter in its entirety, it was not just that girl that was on my mind, but many.
Take a look at a few of synopsis from chapter 30 and let me know if you don’t just see someone, yourself, our country, etc. in these verses.
Verse 1: The Lord said, “Look at these children. They don’t obey me. They make plans, but they don’t ask me to help them.” I know I often have an idea pop into my head, I get excited about it, and then have to stop in my tracks to see if it is was God really wants from me. From experience, I’ve come to realize that when “I” make my plans, and forget to include God, things don’t turn out so well. Trust me…obey God and ask Him before you do anything! Get on your knees and pray.
Verse 2: God said, “For without consulting Me,…You have put your trust in ________.” Okay, here’s another great point. First of all, maybe you didn’t seek advice from God, but from other sources. Then, you end up trusting a friend, self-help books, a psychic, tv experiences, drugs/alcohol, your own thoughts, etc. Yikes! Newsflash…there’s only One that you can put complete trust in, and that’s Jesus. Now, I’m not saying you shouldn’t ask a godly friend for some advice, just make sure that you invite God first to guide you.
Verse 5: “But you will be disappointed. They cannot and will not help you. They will bring nothing but shame and embarrassment.” It is what it is…when you seek advice from someone or something completely without God in the equation, get ready for a little lesson in humility.
Verse 9: “Don’t trust and turn to those who lie and refuse to listen to the Lord’s teachings.” Ummm, No. Period. That’s all I’ve got to say about that.
Verses 10-11: “Here’s what those you are turning to say, “Don’t tell us the truth. Say nice things to us and make us feel good. See only good things for us. 11 Stop seeing things that will really happen. Get out of our way. Stop telling us about the Holy One.” The truth isn’t always pretty. It can actually hurt as well. We live in a society when we often hear, “Do what just feels good.” That’s not reality, my friend. Seek the truth, not matter how bad it hurts. You will grow in wisdom and character.
Verses 12-14: “God says that bad things are going to happen when we don’t turn to and trust in Him.” Again…period.
Verse 15: “The Lord also informs us, ‘Only in returning to Me and resting in Me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.” Rest, salvation, quietness, and confidence…Those words just bring peace to my heart.
Verse 18: “So since we refuse to turn to God and go to others for help, ‘the Lord must wait for you to come to Him so He can show you His love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for His help.” Wait for it, wait for it, ahhhh…love, compassion, help from a faithful and loving source…God. Whether you are in a season of running from Him, or you just made a bad decision for a moment (that must have been a decision without God), you need to run to Him. Turn back to God! He is waiting for you with open arms; arms full of love and compassion.
Verse 19: “The Lord will hear your crying, and He will comfort you. When He hears you, He will help you.” He can’t hear you unless you ask for help. He sees you all day long, but you need to realize that YOU need the help. Do it and simply say, “Lord, I need you.” Guess what? He’ll comfort you.
Verse 20-21: “The Lord might give you sorrow and pain like the bread and water you eat every day. But God is your teacher, and He will not continue to hide from you. You will see your teacher with your own eyes. If you wander from the right path, either to the right or to the left, you will hear a voice behind you saying, “You should go this way. Here is the right way.” Life isn’t pain-free. Learn from The Teacher. Listen to His voice.
Verse 22: “When you realize that God’s way is best, you will turn to the “untrusting” and say to them, “Good riddance!” Haha! See ya! God’s way is best!
Verse 23: “When all is said and done, “then the Lord will bless you” with what you need.” Yes sir and ma’am, stick with God and you will be blessed!
I probably could have taken each of these sections and written a little diddy about them individually. There’s so much life application here. Well, isn’t that what the whole bible is about anyhow?
I want to encourage you to read Isaiah 30 and learn from the Israelites mistakes and God’s guidance.
Praying God’s abundant love and much joy for y’all.
