Isaiah 65:1-2, 12b (NLT) 1The LORD says, “I was ready to respond, but no one asked for help. I was ready to be found, but no one was looking for me. I said, ‘Here I am, here I am!’ to a nation that did not call on my name. 2All day long I opened my arms to a rebellious people. But they followed their own evil paths and their own crooked schemes (c.f. NIV, pursuing their own imaginations). ... 12bFor when I called, you did not answer. When I spoke, you did not listen. You deliberately sinned—before my very eyes—and chose to do what you know I despise.”
This is, to me, the saddest commentary and judgment for the world, our own nation, and even for Christians in general. And yes, if I am honest, even on a personal level. God is ready—we are not seeking Him. Or worse yet, we seek Him only when it is convenient for us to do so; only when our needs seem crucial; only when our troubles seem insurmountable. What is wrong with us?
We serve a God who loves us, cares for us, and watches over us. He stands as near to us as a prayer’s whisper. He is ready to respond; will we seek Him?
Gracious Heavenly Father,
Forgive me for the times I failed to seek you. Forgive me for the times I failed to listen to Your call. Thank you for your love and mercy, for your grace and watch-care. Create in me an attentive heart that longs to follow your will and way.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
The devotional Is Anyone Listening? appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com
Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com
Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
