For day after day they seek me out; they seem eager to know my ways, as if they were a nation that does what is right and has not forsaken the commands of God. They ask me for just decisions and seem eager for God to come near them. ‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves and you have not noticed?’ “Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers.” Isaiah 58:2-3
Israel had claimed to be the nation that God loved and was over. They claimed God as their God. When they were going through tough situations, they would cry out to God, yet God was silent with them. God allowed trouble to come into their lives. The reason was because, even though they cried out to God, they were not trying to live for God. They were doing their own thing, rather than what God wanted.
People in churches all over the world are seeking to know God and His ways every Sunday morning. Throughout the days of their week, many cry out to God for help in situations in their life. Yet, just like the Israelites, many are not attempting to live for God.
Believers cry out to God for help, while at the same time refusing to forgive, or holding onto anger, or lying, or stealing, or gossiping. As one does this, they wonder why God is not showing up in their lives. God cannot be around sin and will not honor those who do not serve Him.
You have to take an honest look at your own life to see where you are at. If you are like many people, you are probably crying out to God for some help in an area of your life. You may be feeling as though God is no where near and does not hear you.
Ask yourself if you are really living for God. Are you serving God with your life? Or are you doing your own thing?
Are you trying to get help from God so that you can look good, or get better things?
Or are you asking for help so that you may build His kingdom more?
As you go before God, do what He wants, not as you please. God will hear you then.
I pray today that you will know God’s desire for your life; that you will obey the commands of God; that you will not put God on the side of your life; and that you will truly know God.
Thank you for this Tom.
Some good questions to reflect on!
Hayley
You are welcome. They are good questions to be asked. I have to ask myself those questions also. Thanks for reading and the comment. Have a blessed and wonderful day!
It hits me so hard as reality that God wants to be involved in our lives, and seeing that we are walking according to how He desires truly delights Him… delights me!
Thanks for sharing!
It is sometimes a difficult concept to think that actually wants to spend time with us, but it is true. That is how amazing His great love is, that He should desire to be with us! May you know His love more and more. Thanks for reading and the comment.