Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Thoughts from Isaiah

Yesterday I had the opportunity to do some reading in Isaiah.  I'm currently on September 17th in my One Year Bible (KJV), but sadly I'm not a month behind.  To be quite honest, I believe I'm on year 3 trying to work my way through.  Pitiful, I know.  But, maybe this will be the year to finish, and I can begin again next year.

I read Isaiah 25:1-28:13.  But, I was particularly struck by 25:4,8-9 and 26:3-4.  They are below:
25:4 - For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.
25:8 - He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it.
25:9 - And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation. 
26:3 - Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
26:4 - Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.
 The last month has been trying.  I can think of at least 6 funerals that I have attended for friends, and friends of friends.  I have known of several others.  Many others I know are facing difficult circumstances, whether it be illness or something else.  Verses 4 and 8 provide such comfort and encouragement!  Even when we've heard it o're and 'ore, Christ told even John the Baptist's disciples, "go and tell John again."  We're a forgetful people.  We need reminding.  God said HE would be our strength.  HE would be our refuge.  And not only that, but death itself is swallowed up in victory.  Though we often say "So and so lost the fight", truthfully, they won a great victory, for their tears are forever wiped away now, and they are dwelling in joy with Christ their Savior.

Verses 3 and 4 in chapter 26 reiterate the point again.  When we trust in the Lord, He gives us peace.  It's so easy in this world to become distracted, but when we keep our focus on Him, and completely trust Him, He provides peace.  I can think of sweet moments when I have been frazzled, and prayed to the Lord, and before even saying "Amen," I could already feel a sense of peace.  It's one of His many promises to us.  And I'm so thankful.