Isaiah 58:11 "And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail."
IF:
you take away the yoke from your midst
you take away the pointing of the finger
you take away the speaking of wickedness
you pour yourself out for the hungry
you satisfy the desire of the afflicted
Isaiah 58:9-10
Satisfaction only comes from God. Obeying His word makes room for Him to pour into our lives. What happens when we make a sarcastic barb and a wounded face looks back at us? Or when we have had an argument and pointed a finger too many times-even if only once? Or when we allow the same sin to hold us back from all God has planned for us and for those who may be blessed by His work in us? Satisfaction? Maybe for a moment. Followed by broken relationships, wounded hearts, and self-inflicted distance from Him.
What if you have cleansed your closet with bags full of clothes for someone in need? Or when you offer to weed someone's garden and tears of relief spill over their cheeks? Or when you've left Bible study energized after God-centered fellowship? Or when you've sent encouraging words through the the real live stamp-and-envelope mail? And this becomes habit?
"When we have a sense of purpose that goes beyond our own skin, we are renewed, refreshed, and satisfied."
So Long Insecurity by Beth Moore
With eyes on Christ and seeking opportunities to love others, we have no time to look inward. No time to empty ourselves with self-pity, conceited thoughts, comparisons, laziness, the continuation of bad habits. Instead we are healed, strengthened, rebuilt, lit up, satisfied.
Some things in life require much prayer and patience. Others require action. They are always His will and when we we act in faith our soul will be satisfied. Here, in Isaiah 58, we find a good place to start.
God, help me make a choice today to pour myself out for someone else. To be the blessing someone may have prayed for this morning, or just a moment ago. To bring life and encouragement to those around me and to bear fruit for Your sake. I know when I do that You will satisfy me, and I will be like a watered garden able to pour into others and to remain full myself. Thank You.
Beautiful post. So glad I found you through (in)courage and followed. I am so amazed as I journey through God's word how many times I want to skip over the conditional part and dive right into the promise. Thanks for the great reminder to notice the "if"s!
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