SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 48
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Therefore I told you these things long ago; before they happened I announced them to you so that you could not say, ‘My idols did them; my wooden image and metal god ordained them.’ [Isaiah 48:5]
God uses Isaiah to prepare His people for what is about to come; He predicts both the tough times and the future restoration of Israel – so that they will trust Him along the way.
Those who do surrender to Him – who trust Him and follow His ways – will experience His peace.
If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea. [Isaiah 48:18]
This remains true today, those who trust in the Lord and follow His way will experience a deep and profound peace – the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [Philippians 4:7]
But those who refuse the Lord, who choose rather to go their own way, to rely on themselves, will not find peace.
“There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked.” [Isaiah 48:22]
But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. [John 16:32-33]
Jesus also warn His followers about tough times ahead, but He makes it clear that it is all part of the plan, that He will persevere through the crisis of the cross and overcome the curse of sin, death and hell.
Like Isaiah, He tells them these things so that they will have peace through the storm, they will trust God and persevere in following His ways.
Tough times are coming, but take heart, I have predicted this, and I will overcome it.
Do you have peace, a peace that endures despite whatever is going on around you, a peace that transcends all understanding, and all circumstances.
Do you have peace like a river, that you can say – though Satan should buffet and trials should come – it is well with my soul!
We are a people of faith and hope and love, even when the world is dark, even when life is hard.
We are like Paul and Silas in the deepest, darkest prison, singing about the greatness and goodness of God because we know that we belong to Him, in life and in death!
Do you have this peace, do you want this peace?
Both Isaiah and Jesus would say the same thing: know God, know peace; no God, no peace!
PRAYER:
Lord, I want this peace that transcends all understanding and all circumstances, I want it to guard my heart and mind through the storms to come.
It is not just those who disobey God who lose their peace.
Peace is attacked from all sides by the events that God lets happen in our lives and the lives of those around us.
Help me and all of us hang on to You, God…
We need to fight for our peace, fight the pain and distractions and life stuff that directs our thoughts away from You. Help us to fight
Thank_You for the Peace.
Once again the Lord tells His people to listen to Him. Listen to the I AM who created all things from the beginning of time. Listen to Me for I am your Redeemer who teaches you and directs you in the paths you should go. Pay attention. Do this and live!
If you had only listened then peace like a river would have flowed. But we are a stubborn people following our own desires. Yet the Lord God visits His people and has redeemed them. He has blessed them on their way and given living water to them so that they may live. Shout for joy all the people for our God reigns.
Once again during this Lent season, I am reminded of all what the Lord God has done for me. In all my travels He has been there. All the days of my life I need to serve the living God. Give me listening ears Lord, and open eyes so that I continue to hear You say This is the way. Walk in in. See My presence? I go before you each day. Peace be with you. My peace I give to you. My Son came so that you can have that peace and joy.
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.