In Isaiah 26, the author waxes poetic about Who God is and how we are not Him. While mankind is great and continues to accomplish great things, we did not create the wind, we cannot bring peace or salvation.
In chapter 30, we see that this great God is not far away and distant, but close and willing to guide.
"Whether you turn to the right or to the left,
your ears will hear a voice behind you,
saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'"
Perhaps this is the "still small voice" we all talk about sometimes. I know in my life that probably the greatest joy of all (and I'm blessed to say there's been a lot of joy) has been hearing the voice of the Lord or receiving His guidance. It's downright exciting. Sometimes it's not what we want to hear, but it's a blessing nevertheless. In the context of Isaiah 30, He's telling His people to stop disobeying Him, and the result when they do obey is to throw away or discard the worthless idols they had paid attention to.
Sometimes it's not easy to "hear the Lord." Sometimes it's as if He's not speaking to us -- at least in the still small voice or in our thoughts. And there are times when there is no obvious choice. We ask God for guidance and we let the events unfold, or some tip or wisdom comes from an unexpected source. That can be fun, too (especially looking back when resolution has come).
In times of uncertainty, sometimes the only comfort we have is that God is faithful. He can be trusted. Feelings are cool and all, but they can't necessarily be trusted to guide us. Sometimes walking in that means loneliness. But thank the Lord the loneliness does not last forever!
PS There are now 11 days, 3 hours, and 57 minutes left of deadline. I better get back to work!
Posted by Doug Van Pelt at July 18, 2005 09:06 AMThank you, Doug, for your courageous discernment and edification from Isaiah!
Unfortunately, that “little voice” is increasingly openly mocked and suppressed with those “Ye shall not surely die” type deceptions so prevalent in secular Europe and socialist havens e.g. here in Madison.
I believe the Lord will not suffer us temptations beyond what we can endure so we have little excuse when we turn to the false gods and idols of our generation and modern society, yet, our goal is clear: “Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” [NIV Eph 6:13]