SOAP Isaiah 63: Steadfast Love

Steadfast Love

ISAIAH 63

I will recount the steadfast love of the Lord, the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord has granted us. And the great goodness to the house of Israel that he has granted them according to his compassion, according to the abundance of his steadfast love.

Isaiah 63:7

Isaiah hears the news that God will devastate nations and yet he praises God for His loving kindness. In my mind vengeance, praise and kindness certainly do not go hand in hand.  Why does Isaiah do this? He does it because God is righteous and when he is angry, he has a reason to be.  God can see into the hearts of men and know when there is true evil and wickedness. 

It’s hard to think about it this way…but God’s judgements and consequences are really for our good. It makes me think of my kids.  When they do something that is bad, I give them consequences.  It’s not to be mean or hurt them. But rather for their benefit in the long run. They don’t like it at the moment and usually don’t understand where we are coming from.  But as their parents we know it is what is best for them. We do this out of love. It sounds good when we say it to our children. We believe it and we know it is truth. But it sure hurts when it happens to us doesn’t it?

I don’t think this means that every bad thing that happens comes from God. The important part for us to remember is it’s not up to us to decide or know what is or isn’t from God.  God’s judgments are merciful they are made to correct us and make us do better. 

Roman 8:28 says,

We know that God causes everything to work together for good of those who love God and are called to according to his purpose for them.

Moment of honesty and transparency: the entire time I was reading this chapter and writing it I kept thinking “but what about those who ARE wicked and evil, yet God doesn’t seem to punish them?” I’m walking through a situation in my life now and I find myself at times questioning/calling out to God. 

Some of the things going through my head:

God, it seems like you just let someone just get away with evil things, why?  Why aren’t there consequences? Why aren’t the consequences tougher?  Why isn’t there real justice? Has this person fooled you into thinking they are good just like they did me once?  If your love is truly steadfast then why don’t you love me enough to see how this person is hurting me and my child? Why aren’t you holding them accountable?

Last week, I was driving to work and there was the most stunning sunset.  The steadfast love of Jesus is like the sun.  It may be dark for a period, but you know you can count on the sun to rise. And like the sun touches all- the love of Jesus stretches out and touches all parts of our lives- if we let it. We don’t always have the answers and we don’t see what God does.  But when I look back on my life, I can see that even things that hurt me brought me good.  All things that come from (or don’t come) from God will be used for His plan, his Glory and can bring us blessings. I just have to hold onto faith, trust him and continuously praise him for what I know to be the truth.

Pray with me: Lord, I confess that I often think I know better than you.  I get caught up in what I think is the truth from my eyes.  I am sorry for the times I forget that you know all, you see all and you have a plan for all the things.  You are the most perfect and loving Father.  Thank you for the hard things in my life that have corrected my path. Thank you for not always giving me what I think I want.  I am in awe of You and the way you love me.  Today, I will hold my head high and walk confidently knowing your love is steadfast and your plan for me is perfect. In your precious name, Amen.