Daily Archive

Listen! The Lord’s arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call. Isaiah 59:1 (NLT)

Remember when you were growing up and when you were in school? Whenever the ‘adult’ or person in authority questioned your level of attention they would pause and say, “Listen to me!” They said that because they were about to say something of extreme importance and they didn’t want you to miss it.

The people of Israel were in desperate striates spiritually. It seemed like everyone from the religious and spiritual leaders to the common shepherd had made up their own rules about how to worship God, how to follow his ways and what God was going to do for Israel.

Chapter 59 of Isaiah lists all the areas in which the Israelites were falling short. Their society was a mess. There was no such thing as justice. God’s people had gotten so entangled in sin and tradition there was no hope of true worship.

In the midst of Isaiah’s teaching he says (on behalf of the Lord) “LISTEN TO ME!” It’s as though he is a discerning parent. He sees their minds are wandering and they are on information overload. What He is about to tell His people must be heard.

The message to the Israelites and to us is this. Our sin separates us from God. Sin doesn’t separate us from God because He hates us. Sin separates us from God because He hates sin. The good news is that in the midst of our sin God promises that He is strong enough to save you.

We live in horrible times. Families are being torn apart by divorce, violence and emotional and physical abuse. Our ‘justice’ system seems more intent on protecting the special interest groups and punishing the victim. Greed, hatred and anger permeate every part of our world.

God’s message through Isaiah is this. You may have been terribly abused emotionally, physically or spiritually. You may feel like you have been abandoned by family, friends and even God. That simply isn’t true. There is nothing you have done, or nothing that has been done to you that God can not help you through.

Let Him wrap His strong arms of love and forgiveness around you. Talk to Him. Tell Him EXACTLY how you feel. Don’t sugar coat your feelings (He knows anyway). Believe in yourself. Believe that no matter what other people have told you and no matter how you have been treated by other people, you are loved passionately by God. That’s why He sent Jesus to die for you. Trust Him to do a work of healing and to empower you for the battles you face today. His arms are much stronger than any battle you will face. There is nothing that will distract Him from giving you His undivided attention.

PRAYER: Dear God. There are times when I wonder if You can really change things around here. I’m such a mess. I’ve tried so hard to make changes in my life, my attitude and my feelings. Nothing seems to work. Help me to believe that You are strong enough to lift me from this mess and love me enough to want to do that. Forgive me for my part of the mess I’m in and empower me to live completely for you. Amen.