Getting Right With God

My Quiet Place

Getting Right With God

This morning God taught me important truths from Isaiah 57. Before reading this post, I encourage you to read this chapter. It starts out by describing the sins and stubbornness of the people of Judah. Their sin was idolatry AKA spiritual adultery. The people ignored their own transgressions and instead pointed their figures at other people's wrongdoings. Like an adulterer, God's people were passionate for gods other than the One True God and they felt no shame. Although they were "wearied with the length of [their] way", they did not repent and turn to God. God's people "did not remember [God]" and no longer feared Him. The Lord held His peace yet this only led them to more sin instead of repentance. But God wanted their hearts and was ready and willing to receive their empty souls when the time came. 

The rest of Isaiah 57 mentions key ways in which we can get right with the Lord. I am sure many of us have been in a similar place as the people of Judah. We can get so deep into certain sins that we no longer feel the weight of its unholiness. We stray away from intimacy with God looking to other people or possessions for happiness when we loose sight of who God is. The obstacles in front of us blind us from the greatness of our God.  

Build Up. This command found in verse 14 may be confusing. Build up means to construct a highway to God that is free from any "obstructions". Remove every stumbling block or false god that is keeping you from turning to God in confession. 

Lift Him Up.  Put God back in His place. He dwells "in the high and holy place". When You lift God up with adoration, you put yourself in place as well. The "sacrifice God wants is a broken spirit" (Psalm 51). While God lives in a holy place, He also is also with the lowly spirits, humbled by the awesomeness of God and the sinfulness of their hearts. 

Look Up. Trust God's promises. Look to the God of peace and mercy. Once you humble yourself and repent, God takes you in His arms and heals you. Look up. "Why are you cast down oh my soul?...hope in God. For I shall again praise Him; my salvation" (Psalm 42:5). In Isaiah 57 God says, "I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and restore comfort to him and his mourners". Jesus fulfills this in the New Testament. Ephesians 2:17 refers to verse 19 where the Lord promises peace to the far and near. What joy and relief comes from that promise! 

Repent to God. Rebuild the highway. Remove the gods. Reflect on His holiness. Receive forgiveness. Rejoice in His healing. 

The Girl Next Door