Daily Devotional

I have read through the book of Isaiah numerous times.  On one of the last times reading through the book, the Lord drew my attention to these verses in the 46th chapter.  Maybe my mind was drawn to them because of my age or because of the uncertain times in which we live.  I have grown to realize how important it is to remember how God has always cared for me and all His children.  It is spiritually significant for all of us to read these verses to remind ourselves again of God’s care for us in every stage of life.  God wants us to understand more fully His unconditional loving care for His children.  

In the context, the Nation of Israel turned their back on God.  They had worshiped the false gods of the nations that lived around them.  These gods could never care for them or save them.  As a result of worshiping them, Israel had been taken into captivity.  Isaiah drew their attention to the reality that there is no other god that can compare to Jehovah.  These so called gods were not real because they had been made with human hands.  There is only one true God that could deliver Israel.  He had cared for Israel since their birth as a nation and will care for them through all stages of life.  He carried them when life was difficult and the enemies seemed overwhelming.  Isaiah calls Israel to wholly commit to the one true God who will be there for them through all of their lives.

What practical application do these verses have for us today?  I don’t know about you, but I need the reminder that God has always been there to care for me throughout my life, even as my hair is graying.  He has never walked away or been too busy to watch over me.  God’s care for each of us began before we were born and will continue through our old age.  God has made us and takes the responsibility for us always.  That watchfulness extends through eternity, since He has saved us not just for this life but also for the life to come.  Isaiah tells us there is no other god that can compare to the one true God.  

Like Israel we can worship and follow false gods.  Is there anything you are looking to besides God for your security or provision?  Have you allowed something or someone in your life to take the place of God?  Whatever you put in the place of God will become a false god. Only the one true God can care for you in all the stages of your life and through eternity. You can find rest in His loving care today.

Prayer:  Lord, it is so easy to depend on the things that are visible to provide for my care and wellbeing.  Lord, You are the only one Who can, with unconditional love, care for me throughout this life and forever.  Help me to look to You to be my sole provider and sustainer of life today and for eternity. Amen

New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.