July 25, 2017. Isaiah 37-39, Psalm 76.

 

We begin today's reading with King Hezekiah in the midst of a troubling day. (Isaiah 37:3a) “Thus says Hezekiah: “This day is a day of trouble and rebuke and blasphemy…” 

As people who belong to The One True God, and that are considered the meek of the earth, we will be exposed to wrong suffering. 

Or wait….is it we are suffering wrong? 

John 16:31 reminds us that in the world we will experience trouble! In these moments just like King Hezekiah, feelings can steer us to the fear of others.  Ahhh….but the best way to confuse the plans of our/the enemy, is when we are driven to God-not away from Him in the suffering.

Are there steps we can take that drive us to God? Let’s look and see the three steps Hezekiah took when his day turned to trouble.

1. His initial reaction to the situation was good, as he chose to see it for what it really was. When trials and difficult times come our way it’s important to see things for what and how they truly are. Some of the troubles Hezekiah experienced were of his own doing. He was brought to a humble state before God. (Isaiah 37:1) The tearing of clothes was a tradition of the Jews. This was a public expression that was associated with sorrow, loss, and an act of humility and a broken heart. 

You see even when a matter is of our own doing, we can still pray to the Lord. He is ever faithful and can always be trusted.

2. Let’s look at the kings next step. He went up to the house of the Lord (Isaiah 37:14). This means that he prayed to the Lord and “spread it before the Lord”. We have access to the holy God of creation as His children.

3. The third thing Hezekiah chose to do was to seek the words of the Lord, through the prophet Isaiah. 

God has given us His written word to guide. (Hebrews 4:12)NASB For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joint and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Always keeping in mind that…”You are God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth, You have made heaven and earth.” He is the Lord of hosts, the living God. 

Giving our praise, prayers and especially our hearts to Him is a sweet gift. He needs to be the object of our fear, as a holy God.

As our sufferings increase, we will need to become stronger and grow in our faith and love of Christ, choosing the things that are good. 

There is no need to continue to suffer in a wrong manner or state of mind, carrying these things in our own strength.

So, Lord give us Your understanding in the suffering, as we learn to trust You completely…..