Life is heavy right now. For everyone. For our family. Sickness and death, conflict and confrontation, fear and uncertainty. The past few weeks have been heavy.
I’m sure Isaiah could relate. He was prophesying to a divided Israel. In spite of all God’s goodness to them, His chosen people had abandoned Him and aligned themselves with wicked, sinful nations who had no interest in serving the one, true God. Sadly, all too often, I respond to all my “heaviness” just like Israel responded to God. I forget His goodness and look for hope in other people, or self-help books, or Instagram, none of which can truly satisfy.
Isaiah, directed by God, pronounces judgment after judgment upon Israel and the surrounding nations. It must have felt heavy and hopeless. Yet, God wasn’t surprised, and it certainly wasn’t hopeless to Him.
For the Lord will have compassion on Jacob and will again choose Israel…Isa 14:1
When the Lord has given you rest from your pain and turmoil…..
Isa 14:3
The Lord of hosts has sworn: As I have planned, so shall it be,
and as I have purposed, so shall it stand. Isa. 14:24
For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it?
His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back? Isa 14:27
A throne will be established in steadfast love, and on it will sit in faithfulness in the tent of David. One who judges and seeks justice and is swift to do righteousness. Isa16:5
And, although God was speaking to Israel through Isaiah, His words apply to me today as well.
He loves me.
He chose me.
He offers me rest.
He has a perfect plan.
His plan cannot be thwarted.
He is still on the throne.
He is faithful.
He is a righteous judge.
And, just as he promised his disciples in Matthew 28:20, He has not left me alone.
And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matt. 28:20
Always, which literally means “all the days”. Not occasionally but continually. Not just when I’m obedient. Not just when things are happy and easy. Before any sickness or conflict or fear, God was already there. When He spoke judgment in Isaiah, His perfect plan already included deliverance through His perfect Son—both for Israel and for me. When Jesus spoke this promise in Matthew 28, He knew everything that lie ahead—for His disciples and for me, my family, and this world. His sovereign presence is my only true hope.
I shake, but my Rock moves not.
CH Spurgeon
Sixty-six books in a year 