READ: Isaiah 55 (Focus vs. 1-3 & 8-13
MEMORY VERSE
“My ways [are] higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9
BACKGROUND
Wendy was feeling a little left out. During lunch break, her boss had left chocolates on everyone’s desks—except hers. Puzzled, she lamented to a friend, “Why did he leave me out?”
When asked, their boss explained: “Those chocolates are still good, but they’ve been around for some time. Wendy’s pregnant, so I just wanted to play it extra safe.” Then he laughed. “As for the rest of you . . . .”
The little incident became a running joke in the office, but it got me thinking about how we sometimes misread God’s intentions because of our limited understanding and perception.
We may even believe ourselves to be victims of unfair treatment, forgetting that God always has our best interests at heart. Always.
Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that while we may not fully understand God’s thoughts and ways, we can be sure that they’re “higher than [our] ways” (v. 9). Ours are often influenced by selfish desires; His are perfect, compassionate, and righteous.
So even when things don’t look good for now, we can trust that God will provide what we truly need (vv. 1-2), for He’s loving and faithful to His own everlasting promise (v. 3). Let’s “call on him while he is near” (v. 6), knowing that He’ll never leave us.
Leslie Koh
INSIGHT
In Isaiah 55:8-9, we’re reminded that God is mysterious. He’s beyond our comprehension; we’re unable to fully understand His will or His ways.
Paul echoes that idea in Romans 11:33-34: “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?”
The apostle described Him as “the only wise God” (16:27). Our truly wise God is also our loving heavenly Father. We can rest in His wisdom and His purposes because they’re couched in His great love for us.
We may not always understand what happens in our lives or in our world, but we can rest assured that God’s in control and is with us, and we can cling to His promises.
Bill Crowder
APPLICATION
Which promises of God can you hold on to when life seems unfair? Which aspects of His character give you comfort and assurance?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“We may not always understand what happens in our lives or in our world, but we can rest assured that God’s in control and is with us, and we can cling to His promises.” Today’s Insight
PR’s TAKE
“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God…”2Corinthians 1:20 nkjv
“The Christian life is fundamentally a life of faith built upon God’s promises.” John Stott – Take away, dilute or ignore His promises and the Faith becomes another religion. pr
PRAYER
“Faithful God, You know I sometimes feel left out of Your blessings and doubt Your love for me. Please help me to trust in You and to hold on tightly to Your everlasting promises.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“STANDING ON THE PROMISES”
Standing on the promises of Christ, my King!
Through eternal ages let His praises ring.
“Glory in the highest!” I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God, my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.
Standing on the promises that cannot fail!
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.
Standing, standing…
Standing on the promises, I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.
Standing, standing…
Standing on the promises of Christ, the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s Sword,
Standing on the promises of God.
Standing, standing…
Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
List’ning ev’ry moment to the Spirit’s call,
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God.
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God, my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.
