“The rarest treasures of life are found in his truth.
That’s why God’s Word is prized like others prize the finest gold.
Sweeter also than honey are his living words— sweet words dripping from the honeycomb!”
(Psalm 19:10 TPT)
I have been trying to work through a 21 day prayer focus designed to “break off old cycles in [our lives] that resist change” so that we can “develop a new way of thinking.”* So far I’m on Day One and not making much progress. I was reading the recommended Isaiah 41 and found my mind drifting. Even though I had read it before, I was struggling to connect with the text and what it was saying. Although the passage seemed barren of much of interest, I tried to look for some gems of spiritual treasure.
Then I realized this is kind of like what happens when you take a cross-country drive. You can drive for miles and miles and miles – say, between Colorado and Illinois – and see basically the same things. Over and over again. And over and over again. Monotonous, right? Kind of like reading through the middle of Isaiah.
Except it’s not.
Around every mile of four lane interstate road are miles and miles of valuable farmland – acres and acres that grow part of the food the world eats. Around every interstate are small towns and larger cities where (“real”) people live in real time – going about their daily lives, doing things to develop and bless their own communities and the world at large. And there are some gems in every community – a museum here, a natural wonder there, a historical monument to discover in a place you never knew about.
There are some gems to discover in Isaiah 41, too. Here are a few of mine:
“Do not fear, for I am with you,
do not be afraid, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NRSV)
And
“Yes, all who are incensed against you
shall be ashamed and disgraced;
those who strive against you
shall be as nothing and shall perish.
You shall seek those who contend with you,
but you shall not find them;
those who war against you
shall be as nothing at all.
For I, the Lord your God,
hold your right hand;
it is I who say to you, “Do not fear,
I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:11-13 NRSV)
And
“When the poor and needy seek water,
and there is none,
and their tongue is parched with thirst,
I the Lord will answer them,
I the God of Israel will not forsake them.” (Isaiah 41:17 NRSV)
It is good to hear again to not be afraid, that God will strengthen and uphold us, that those who try to destroy God’s people will find themselves destroyed, and that when we need spiritual (or even physical) water, God will provide and will not forsake us.
Our lives can be monotonous routines of work, caring for others, going to school, housekeeping, or whatever else we put in our days. But where are the nuggets of beauty? What are the gems that remind you of where God is and what he is saying? Where are the precious things?
Today, let’s be on the lookout for the gems.
God,
Thank you for being our God, the Great I AM who calls us into relationship with you. Thank you for your Word, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Thank you for your Word in the Bible and for the ways it informs us, challenges us, and encourages us. Thank you for the unexpected ways in which you speak to us through that Word and for the reminder today to not be afraid, that you have triumphed over our enemies, and that you provide spiritual water for us when we are in a dry place in life. Help us to take our places, stand still, and listen for your Voice and your directions. Help us have thankful hearts even as we go about any monotones of this day. Help us to be aware and appreciate the gems and nuggets of precious life moments in this day. Holy Spirit, help our hearts be tuned to the beautiful song of you, our Lord and King. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.
“I will take my place at the watchtower. I will stand at my post and watch. I will watch and see what He says to me.” (Habakkuk 2:1 VOICE)
* https://www.elijahlist.com/words/display_word.html?ID=26763