Drop One Hundred Thirteen

Isaiah 30: 18

“Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him” (NASB1995).

Yes, whenever you see “therefore” it is necessary to see what it is there for. Isaiah has just finished warning Judah to not form an alliance with Egypt. God has instructed them to rest in Him rather than seek shelter with Pharoah. In this world of hurry from one thing to the next, seasons of rest seem rather odd. Sometimes seasons of rest are find during an illness, unemployment, or – every student’s favorite – a snow day. Commandment four of the Ten Commandments reminds us to remember the Sabbath to keep it holy. How often do we trust enough to rest in Him? God is in control. He has a plan. Even when everything looks bleak, He is walking and resting with His children. Trust Him. He knows what each of us is going through even better than we do. And it is not all bad. It is as we go through the valleys of life that we have a greater sense of His presence with us. Lean in and trust Him!

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for loving us, even with our fickle hearts. Forgive us for the sins of yesterday and may we sin less today. Cleanse our hearts and minds of whatever is taking our focus away from You. Fill us with the Holy Spirit. Give us a greater hunger for Your word. May our souls be satisfied as we meditate on it, pray through it, and praise You. Thank You for Your faithfulness. Help us to be more faithful to You.

In the Name of Jesus we pray,

AMEN