Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and He will have mercy on Him, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 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. 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. Instead of the thorn bush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign which will not be destroyed. Isaiah 55:6-13
The beginning of this portion of scripture always makes me feel a sense of urgency. Not panic, but a call to deliberately seek God’s face while I can. We do have a finite amount of time to find Him. It’s a fact that all will die, unless the Lord returns first. Both are endings though. Whether we die or God comes back, we’d better know Him before either happens. This is the privilege and burden of sharing the gospel. We love to share, but we also feel the urgency attached to it. It’s truly eternal life or death.
The next part of this is also amazing.
God’s thoughts are something that leave me feeling a sense of wonder. We could never even comprehend the vastness of One Who has always been and knows all things from beginning to end. Why would I even want to attempt to “out think God”? I am comfortable leaving the wonderful to Him. The things too great for me to understand.
Then the last part…
His word will NOT return void. I love the solidity of this statement. Nothing He says can be cast aside. His word accomplishes what it’s meant to accomplish without fail.
Have you ever heard people lamenting how they missed God, or made a decision contrary to His direction for their life and it leaves them in an utter tailspin? Well, if we truly believe that His word will accomplish all it is set to accomplish, then what are we worrying about? He is a redeeming God. He will give other opportunities, in fact, I’ve found God to be rather “fool proof”. He sets me up constantly. This whole concept tangles in with not trying to be smarter than God…if we realize He is Who He says He is and nothing less…Then we will admit that He is smart enough to lead us where we need to go.
Sure, we can make choices along the way that make it more complicated or painful for ourselves, but He will get us where He wants us to be. And why would He do this? For the Lord’s renown.
We will go out in joy and be led by peace. What more is there to say?
Prayer Moment: God, help me to always go out in joy and be led by peace. Never let fear or discontent be my guide. Keep me steadfast. Guard my heart and mind. Restore the hope I had in my youth. Anoint my head with oil. Let my cup run over. I will dance in Your goodness the rest of my days. In Jesus’ name, amen.
365 Days in the Presence 