Isaiah 30 details the story of a scared and panicked people who in their fear, stop trusting God and decide to take matters into their own hands, by making an alliance with a nation that had previously enslaved them and who God specifically said to never go back to.
Now, it might seems like a duh situation to not go back to or seek help from someone who once hurt you, but how many times have I gone back to a job whose boss was not completely professional or co-workers who were disrespectful? How many times have I gone back to a old friend, or boyfriend?
Oh rebellious children, says the Lord, who carry out a plan, but not mine; who make an alliance, but against my will, adding sin to sin...without seeking my counsel, to take refuge in the protection of Pharaoh..." (Isaiah 30:1-3).
How many times have I felt like I've lost control of everything! My car, finances, school, career and I decided, what I'm going to do, without even taking the moment to say, Um..Jesus, could you guide me, tell me what to do, 'cause the crap has hit the fan and I'm FRICKN OUT! How many times have I maybe asked this, but not waited for a response? This totally sounds familiar to my fear, panic problem, aye?
But, what I love about this chapter is that after it details how everything is going to get even worse now that the people have decided to make decisions for themselves, there's a message of love: In returning (to God) and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength - Isaiah 30:15. It's like, if you just wait, hun, you're not going to have a heart attack. If you just sit down and shut up, be quiet, you'll actually have some strength or regain your composure. The chapter continues, ...the Lord waits to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show mercy to you...- Isaiah 30:18. God doesn't decide to kill off the arrogant people, he actually just waits for them to tap him into the ring, and gives grace, is merciful.
Isaiah 30:19 Truly....you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when he hears it, he will answer you...
To my friend who asked me these questions about God, about pain, about retribution; To my friend who admitted he is hurting, he is in pain...God will be gracious to your cry, and when he hears it, he will answer you.
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