At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. Titus 3:3-8.

The beauty of Scripture, as we were shown yesterday, is that though it was written over hundreds of years by many different authors, all of it speaks of the love of Creator God – Father…Son…Spirit. We read words inspired by the Holy Spirit through generation after generation of people – and we need God. When we realize the depth of our need for God, our journey with Him can begin.

And our chapter, Isaiah 44, speaks so well of all God longs to pour out for us and within us. But now listen, Jacob, My servant, Israel, whom I have chosen. This is what the Lord says – He who formed you in the womb, and who will help you: Do not be afraid, Jacob, My servant, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. For I will pour water on the thirsty ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring, and My blessing on your descendants…I am the first and I am the last; apart from Me there is no God…Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are My witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock, I know not one. v. 1-3, 6, 8. Isaiah goes on to describe what God sees when workers fashion idols out of wood or metal and then bow down to them and ask that they save them, v. 9-20. And all the while…I have made you, you are My servant; Israel, I will not forget you. I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you…I am the Lord, the Maker of all things, who stretches out the heavens, who spreads out the earth by Myself, who foils the signs of the false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who overthrows the learning of the wise and turns it into nonsense, who carries out the words of His servants and fulfills the predictions of His messengers…who says of Cyrus, “He is my shepherd and will accomplish all that I please; he will say of Jerusalem, ‘Let it be rebuilt,’ and of the temple, ‘Let its foundations be laid.’ v. 21-22, 24-26, 28.

In this world we will have trouble, confusion, hardship and pain. And we can trust God because He has never lied to us. His love is poured out and overflowing in hearts longing to be clean and renewed in Him. His life-blood was poured out for us. His body was given that new life could grow in Him. His Spirit dwells within to comfort and teach and strengthen our hope and understanding of what is true, and brings us His peace. Only God. Are you hurting? Do you long for what is true? Are you weary of trying to do everything on your own? Turn to Him. Take His hand and let Him heal all that is broken in you. Our spirits are thirsty ground longing for Him!