06-Jan-2025 – Whom you are fearing?
And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared, that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered me, nor laid it to thy heart? Have not I held my peace even of old, and thou fearest me not? – Isaiah 57:11
Today, God is addressing an important aspect of the fear of God. If you read Isaiah 57:11 carefully, God is not asking why you are not fearing Him. Instead, He is asking: Who is scaring you and influencing you to lie to Him and forget Him?
If we pause and reflect on this in the context of the current world, we can see similar situations in schools, colleges, and workplaces. There are alarming incidents where bad people target individuals, lure them into traps, and then blackmail them. These individuals, out of fear, often keep silent, avoiding their parents or family, and either submit unwillingly to the bad people’s demands or tragically end their lives.
I recall from my college days how friends would spend time and money together. Parents worked hard and invested their earnings into their children’s education, but some children fell into the company of bad influences. They succumbed to addictions like alcohol, smoking, or other dopamine-boosting but useless activities. In doing so, they forgot the love, struggles, and reputation of their parents, as well as their sense of right and wrong.
In this chapter, God narrates a similar situation with His people. His children had fallen into worldly traps and practices. From the day Moses told the Israelites about God, up to this point in time, God had delivered, provided for, and sustained them, leading them with His mighty and supernatural hand. Yet, they forgot all these things and began desiring the ways of the world.
If we look at the world around us, we see people breaking rules for small things, using influential names for favors, and seeking profits through dishonest means. Such practices are common. But if we indulge in these behaviors, God will not be pleased with us.
However, our God is a loving Heavenly Father. He never leaves us without offering a way out of our negative situations.
“I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners.” – Isaiah 57:18
This reflects the heart of our Heavenly Father. He may allow situations to pile up due to our ignorance and foolishness, but He does not abandon us. He wants to bring us out of those situations. Yet, God is righteous, and He cannot simply overlook wrongdoing. So, how does He help?
“For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” – Isaiah 57:15
Repentance is a powerful way to reconcile with God. Our Heavenly Father’s heart always longs for His children. True repentance from a contrite heart draws immediate forgiveness, and God begins working to bring us out of our negative circumstances.
Today, God is reminding us to stop and reflect. Is there anything in our lives that is not right with Him? Are we being influenced by the world in any way? Is there something hindering our relationship with God and stealing our freedom in Him? Confess it before God, seek His forgiveness with true repentance, and realign with Him.
Even if your situations have already been impacted by foolish and ignorant choices, your God is capable of finding a way out and restoring your peace and joy.
Prayer
Dear loving Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love and grace. Thank You for reminding me of the importance of checking if I am aligned with You or influenced by the world. You are my Creator, Provider, and Sustainer. There is no one besides You who takes care of me. Help me to understand this, set everything right, and reject anything that belongs to the world and the flesh. I pray in the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen!
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