Today's Reading:
Isaiah 30:12-33:9
2 Peter 3:1-18
Psalm 143:1-12
Click on Text Link to Read Online
Focus Verses: Isaiah 31:1; 33:2
31:1 - Woe
to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust
in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their
horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from
the LORD. 33:2 - O LORD, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.
Insight:
Isaiah
chides those who have turned from God and placed their trust in human
strength. It's tempting to trust in military might, political power, or
wealth, but none of those things are ultimately as reliable as God. It's
even more tempting to trust in our own strength, smarts, and ability to
scramble to get us through life.
The short prayer
offered up in Isaiah 33:2 reveals the authentic way of faith. It's a
wonderful prayer and reminder for all of us who see the fallacy of
trusting in ourselves or anyone or anything else besides God. Only God
can give us the strength to live with joy, endurance, and patience.
Response and Action:
I
need to be very careful about where I place my trust. I am not smart
enough or strong enough to navigate and manage my own life. The money,
power, privilege, and promises the world has to offer me are never as
stable or satisfying as they appear to be. I need to recognize that the
strength and security I long for in life are only found in God. My faith
needs to be fixed firmly upon Jesus. I can live with confidence only
through Christ who gives me strength.
O
God, you are my strength and my salvation. Every morning you hear my
voice as I lay my requests before you. You listen to my cries for help. I
wait upon you with confidence and fully expect that you will answer my
prayers and strengthen me for life. I see that trusting in myself, or
earthly strength, is like building my life on shifting sand. I will
build my life upon the solid rock of faith in you. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: Proverbs 3:5-6
5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own
understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your
paths straight.
Resources:
Isaiah: Trusting God in Trouble Times
by Howard Peskett
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