Take Time to Spend Time - Isaiah 57 - Find Your Refuge in God!

As we move through the Summer, we can become extremely focused on getting ready for the Fall ministries to begin. While there is good reason for this, it is also important for us to stay focused on God and how our ministries are really His. Yes, we have work to do, but it is God who moves people's hearts to get involved and serve; not us!

So, in all your busyness, do not forget to spend time with God each day. I have been spending time in Isaiah this Summer and have been encouraged with a number of things. I thought I'd share some of these with you this week. Consider a few things I'm learning from Isaiah 57 . . .

Isaiah 57:13b, 15, 16, 18- 21 – “But whoever takes refuge in me will inherit the land and possess my holy mountain.” ¹⁴ And it will be said: “Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.” ¹⁵ For this is what the high and exalted One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite. ¹⁶ I will not accuse them forever, nor will I always be angry, for then they would faint away because of me—the very people I have created.  I have seen their ways, but I will heal them; I will guide them and restore comfort to Israel’s mourners, ¹⁹ creating praise on their lips. Peace, peace, to those far and near,” says the Lord. “And I will heal them.” ²⁰ But the wicked are like the tossing sea,  which cannot rest, whose waves cast up mire and mud. ²¹ “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”(NIV)

I find praying Scripture back to God to be a very effective way for me to think more about a passage and to pray with more focus. If you would like to pray this passage, consider using this prayer . . . 

Dear God, on this day I want to thank You for allowing me to find refuge in You. Please remove those things which are obstacles between me and You. I am so amazed to know You, Who are Holy, high and exalted are willing to allow me to live with You! Please help me have a contrite and humble spirit so I can one day live forever with You! I am so thankful to know You give me grace and heal me. Please guide me and I will praise You! I rejoice to know I can have Your peace and rest!Thank You for loving me; I love You, too! Amen.

As you go through this day, remember to find your refuge in God and keep your eyes open for those obstacles which come between you and God. Take time to be amazed by God's Grace and find your peace and rest in Him!

Have a joy-filled day!