These words of wisdom are from a book in the Old Testament of the Bible called Isaiah. Written many many years ago, they perfectly describe the human journey. Although addressed to women, they are also applicable to men. Isaiah 32:9-20.
You women who are so complacent, rise up and listen to me; you daughters who feel secure, hear what I have to say! (V9)
This is a warning to women (and men) who are complacent, feel secure and are self-reliant.
In little more than a year you who feel secure will tremble; the grape harvest will fail, and the harvest of fruit will not come (v10)
Difficult times will come. Your source of security will fail you. What you relied on will be no more. You will fear and be afraid. You will feel troubled and lack peace.
Tremble, you complacent women; shudder, you daughters who feel secure! Strip off your fine clothes and wrap yourselves in rags. Beat your breasts for the pleasant fields, for the fruitful vines and for the land of my people, a land overgrown with thorns and briers – yes, mourn for all houses of merriment and for this city of revelry. (v11-13)
Take notice, be alert to what is happening. Be humble instead of proud, be repentant, be remorseful, be sorrowful.
The fortress will be abandoned, the noisy city deserted; citadel and watchtower will become a wasteland forever, the delight of donkeys, a pasture for flocks (v14)
Your loss and devastation will be significant. It may be physical, emotional or spiritual. You will feel abandoned and lonely.
Till the Spirit is poured on us from on high and the desert becomes a fertile field, and the fertile field seems like a forest (v15)
Loss and devastation will continue until and unless the Spirit of God comes to you. God determines when the Spirit is poured on you. You have invite, acknowledge and receive God’s Spirit. Renewal can only come from God, through His Spirit. It is a personal work that God’s Spirit does within you. God’s Spirit brings restoration, flourishment and growth.
The Lord’s justice will dwell in the desert, his righteousness live in the fertile field. The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever. My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. Though hail flattens the forest and the city is leveled completely, how blessed you will be, sowing your seed by every stream, and letting your cattle and donkeys range free. (V16-20)
When you acknowledge and receive God’s Spirit, God dwells/lives in you, you are no longer abandoned, you are accompanied. Your past is dealt with by God’s justice. God’s righteousness is within you. You have peace, assurance and confidence which can not be removed. You are secure, with a different security to before – you are secure because you have God in your life, who doesn’t change, rather than have security in self and circumstances that have no permanent promise of security. Even when difficult situations arise and devastation comes again around you, you are at peace, God is with you, you are not destroyed by the situation. In fact you are not affected, you continue to be at peace and be content. You are blessed and are able to continue to be a blessing to others.
What description best describes you?
- complacent, secure and self-reliant where everything seems to be ok?
- struggling and fearful in a time of difficulty?
- in a time of remorse and repentance?
- in a time of knowing the Spirit of God has come on/in you?
- a place where you are flourishing, at peace and content?
- at peace in a time of difficulty?
Where is God in relation to your life right now?
Let God speak to you as you reflect further on these verses
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