For several days we looked at Isaiah 54 and the richness of this chapter in its application to the Nation of Israel, to all the believers of Christ, and how it took on a very special meaning to me. Today let us break down the sections once more as we see that it has a very special meaning to each and every person.
Do you feel barren, empty? Does your heart feel so heavy that you wonder how can I go on another day? Day after day and all your efforts end once more into a sea of nothingness. You long to feel something, anything that will give your life meaning. In the barrenness of your soul, you long for God and cannot feel Him. Well, then “Sing, O Barren Soul” for God hath paid your price, at the cross Christ covered your sins that you might be brought near to know the sweet love and joy of God. He is calling you to be filled to overflowing of His precious living water which will bring forth fruits in all the barren land that surrounds you. Arise, sing for joy and prepare to receive blessings overflowing. (Isaiah 54:1-3)
Drawing used with written permission of Ronald Barba. © 2011 Ronald Barba and is protected under copyright laws.
Are you afraid, rejected, and forlorn? Having been married to the lusts of this flesh, your youth spent in shame; only to then be left forsaken by all that you had clung to. Broken, afraid, and so filled with shame that you think there is no way God could love me now. Good news!! He loves you just as you are.
He longs to cover you with His wings of love and protection—to be a husband to you. He has bore all your sin and shame on the cross, with great agony Christ bore it all—carrying it into the grave to be buried forever. He longs to clothe you with His righteousness. (Isaiah 54:4-6)
Do you feel that God has turned his back on you? Does it feel that He is silent and you think it is because of your sins? Had you turned your back on God and now you wonder if He still loves you or can He still forgive you, even though you had spit on His face of mercy? Good news, He loves you and will pour forth His everlasting mercy as He gathers you in His arms. Just come to the foot of the cross, heartbroken with contrite spirit that He might show you the depths of His love, grace and mercy to you. (Isaiah 54:7-9)
Do you feel that all around you is crashing in? The mountains are trembling, the storms of this world are tossing you about and you don’t know what to do? You want to follow God, but it just is too hard. Be assured, He has promised to pave your path with precious stone and to guide your view so that you might see He has a plan for your life. Just trust Him and He will show you the way. (Isaiah 54: 10-12)
You have tried your best to raise your children to love God; but, it seems that all you have said has fallen on deaf ears. You look back over your own years as a parent and all the times you failed comes looming up before your eyes. Take comfort in God’s promise in Isaiah 54:13. He will teach your children and great shall be the peace of your children—trust Him and just wait a little while, calmly, patiently, prayerfully, believing in Him and His promises.
Are you criticized and brought down at work? Do you feel an outcast? Do you feel that you are a failure? Remember this, God is the one who will establish your righteousness and will be your protector. He will defend you, just wait a little while and watch his mighty Hand of Grace work things out in your life.
The other day I watched this Billy Graham special and hope you take the time to watch it via the link below. I could not help but shed tears of wonder, awe and joy as I listened. The majestic power of the cross, the willing Savior who died for me, the Grace by which He leads me—so overwhelms me that I must bow before the cross. I hope to never lose the wonder and the awe that I feel before the cross. As Matt Redman’s new song “Mercy” so wonderfully proclaims:
“I will kneel in the dust
At the foot of the cross,
Where mercy paid for me
Where the wrath I deserve,
It is gone, it is passed
Your blood has hidden me”
The Cross—Billy Graham’s Message To America
© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
Drawing used with written permission of Ronald Barba. © 2011 Ronald Barba and is protected under copyright laws. If you desire copies please go to:
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to any brands, products or services that I have mentioned with the exception. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides regarding the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”