August 24

God's Response To Our Cry

O people in Zion who dwell in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. He will surely be gracious when you cry for help; when He hears, He will answer you. — Isa 30:19 BSB

This is one of the most beautiful chapters in Isaiah. It teaches profound lessons. God allowed the Assyrians to come against Judah to teach the king and people important lessons—that certain sins must be addressed. They would face the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, but God would remain near, speaking to them through their suffering, through His prophets, and through the gentle voice of His Spirit. This is an example of God’s gracious providence. His grace surrounds and keeps His people, but when we sin deliberately, we break through the protective circle. When we repent and cry out to Him again, His tender hand heals our wounds, and songs of joy fill the night.

The second half of this chapter (Isaiah 30:27-33) describes the coming of Sennacherib’s army. The enemy was fierce, but there is a sense in which they were under God’s control: “Behold, the name of the Lord comes from afar.” The advancing army is compared to a thunderstorm and a rushing mountain torrent. Yet in Isaiah 30:28, the final defeat is described as when a wild animal is brought down by a lasso. Soon, the enemy would vanish, and the land would once again be plowed and sown, with streams flowing and a joyful harvest reaped.

These words are a great comfort to those who are in distress. Be encouraged—God has not forgotten His grace! Take hold of these sweet promises and ask for their fulfillment in your life.

Prayer

Our Father, we know You must discipline us when we stray from walking in faith and reverence. Help us to be more sensitive and responsive to the voice of Your Spirit, so that with joy we may return to You. Amen.