God's Promise
Scripture Reading — Isaiah 59
“My Spirit … and my words … will not depart … from this time on and forever …”
Isaiah 59:21
Our reading for today talks about many troubling things: rampant sin, lying, guilt, injustice, acts of violence, evil schemes, separation from God. When we look around us, we can be distracted so easily by overwhelming challenges. When that happens, we hardly know where to begin in living for God and his kingdom.
But in the face of so many troubles, we can also discover great relief. We do not have to do the heavy lifting. God does it for us! God promises to be with us and to keep his Word in us for time and eternity.
God works with us, in us, through us, and for us so that we can rededicate ourselves to live for him. The good news is that God is our sovereign, powerful partner.
That casts everything into a fresh light. Suddenly what looked so daunting, what appeared to be out of reach, becomes the core value of life. Christians never go it alone. Christians go with God. He makes the journey wonderful for time and eternity.
The timeless God turns us into timeless people. Life is the immediate now, but also the endless forever. In both we see his kingdom coming and his will being done because it is “on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).
Dear Father in heaven, thank you for lifting our load. Thanks for keeping your promises for time and eternity so that, with you, we may build your kingdom and do your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author — Jack Gray
Jack Gray recently retired after forty years as a pastor in the Christian Reformed Church. During that time he served seven churches from coast to coast in the United States. He and his wife, Wanda, have four sons and three grandchildren. They also have ministered to 44 foster children. This month’s devotions are inspired by his reflections on time at this transition in his life.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!