vs. 5—For your Maker is your husband—the LORD Almighty is his name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth.
vs. 7b—but with deep compassion I will bring you back.
vs. 8 b—but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you, says the LORD your Redeemer.
vs. 10—Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
vs. 17—no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me, declares the LORD.
I don’t know about you, but I need God’s reassurance quite often. I tend to believe the lies of the enemy telling me I am inferior and that God doesn’t have time for me. He has more important people or people with greater needs to look after. These Scriptures comfort my soul when the world around me is shaken. God’s unfailing love is solid ground.
Isaiah 55—Invitation to the Thirsty. I love that title for this chapter. Thirst is the perfect word picture for our relationship to God. When I am physically thirsty, nothing satisfies like an ice-cold glass of water. When I am spiritually thirsty, nothing satisfies like a refreshing drink from God’s Word. I can think of nothing else until my physical thirst is quenched. Does that describe my spiritual thirst as well?
vs. 2b—your soul will delight in the richest of fare. God’s Word is a veritable feast for my spirit. Am I indulging in all God has to offer? Feasting on God’s Word is like a holiday banquet table overflowing with the richest of foods. Bible study should not be like eating dry, hard rice cakes.
So, how can you change your quiet time from a frightful famine to a blessed buffet? May I suggest that you learn how to study God’s Word for yourself? Reading the commentary of another person may be enlightening, but it is rather like eating boring leftovers. Believe me; I know I am enjoying this online Bible study far more than any of my readers ever could. The tasty morsels are the ones you find for yourself when you dig into the meat of God’s Word. The heart of the watermelon always has the best flavor. The center of the steak is always the juiciest. Skimming through a passage of Scripture is like eating a dry crust of bread. Searching out the hidden meaning of a word in Scripture is like homemade bread hot out of the oven. If you aren’t sure how to examine the Word of God under a microscope, send me an email, and I would love to share some secrets I have learned along the way.
vs. 6—Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Talk to God as soon as you wake up in the morning. Don’t let His Spirit get away from you when you rise up out of bed. Respond to Jesus the very moment He knocks upon your heart’s door. Don’t let a moment be wasted. Learn to hear the voice of God when He whispers an idea into your mind. Act upon it immediately. You will be doubly blessed when you quickly obey.
vs. 8, 9—God’s thoughts and ways are so much higher than mine!
vs. 11—so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. LORD God, please accomplish your purposes in me!
vs. 12—You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Oh wow! That’s what I want my life to resemble. Everywhere I go, I want to spread joy and peace. I want the mountains, hills, and trees to sing and dance and shout for joy because they see me coming. I want people who see me walk into a room to be delighted because I bring them joy and peace. Hmmm. That thought should change the look I have on my face today. Jesus, put your song in my heart!
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