SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 7-12
When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? Consult God’s instruction and the testimony of warning. If anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn. (Isaiah 8:19-20)
Where do you turn when you are looking for advice or wisdom?
People today look to books or counsellors, coach’s, close friends or pastors.
I am not downplaying this, these are great and necessary supports for us.
But “should not a people inquire of their God?” (Isaiah 8:19)
Some Christians do spend time seeking God’s wisdom through prayer and bible reading – but many do not.
Why are Christians not ‘consulting God’s instruction and testimony of warning’ (i.e. the bible)?
Isaiah is challenging the people who claim to follow God, because they are not actually following God.
In my experience, though I do not always ‘inquire’ of God, when I do it is usually very beneficial.
For me, as I talk through my questions and struggles with God, God’s Spirit strengthens and encourages and directs my heart and mind, helping to know how to respond.
It’s as if a light turns on, sometime only dimly, but a light nevertheless (like the first rays of dawn).
We can seek wisdom from others, as supporters on our journey; but if we want to have the ‘light of dawn’ (hope), we should consult God and His message for the deep wisdom and guidance that only He can give.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, thank You for the light that shines in my heart when I seek You in prayer and scripture. And thank you for the supporters you put in my life who add to that light with their own encouragement and guidance. Help me to keep these in their proper order!
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
Observations/Application
Stand firm in your faith or you will not stand at all.
God speaks clearly to the prophet. How often does He speak to me or do I speak to Him? Do I listen to His voice or just go my own away after I start the day with Him. I need to put my trust in Him. Only He can help me on my way. He is my Light and salvation. Only in Him can I stand strong.
How do I know the message of the Lord?
I must seek Him always. He needs to be my Guide in all things for only in Him is Truth. I must run to Him for my daily help.
He is my Light as He was for the children of Israel when He lead them from Egypt land – the fire and the cloud. I must follow His banner. He is the Way and the Light.
I must talk with Him daily.
I must sing His praises daily.
I must see His works in my life always.
He is my Protector and my Guide also this day as I continue my walk, my journey in His presence.
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
Refrain
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.
Refrain
But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
Refrain
Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet.
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way.
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.