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Isaiah 57:14-21 (NIV)
Comfort for the Contrite
14 And it will be said: “Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.” 15 For this is what the high and exalted One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite. 16 I will not accuse them forever, nor will I always be angry, for then they would faint away because of me— the very people I have created. 17 I was enraged by their sinful greed; I punished them and hid my face in anger, yet they kept on in their willful ways. 18 I have seen their ways, but I will heal them; I will guide them and restore comfort to Israel’s mourners, 19 creating praise on their lips. Peace, peace, to those far and near,” says the Lord. “And I will heal them.” 20 But the wicked are like the tossing sea, which cannot rest, whose waves cast up mire and mud. 21 “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”
Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.” For whom is the road being prepared? Do you know where the road leads? With whom does God dwell? Do I have to prepare myself in any way? If so, how?
Holy God, my sins block the flow of Your Spirit’s work in my heart and life. My busyness, selfishness and evil desires close the door on Your peace and turns off Your guidance GPS. You allow me to trip on my own bad decisions and get lost in my own desires. Lord I repent of anything wicked in my heart. I pray that I recognize my sinfulness and where I hurt You. Help me change direction. Guide me and restore anything in my life that is not pleasing to you. Gracious Father, please remove the sinful obstacles out of the way and lead me on the road to Your everlasting peace. Reign in me, dear Lord. Thank You for Your loving grace and mercy. Amen.