This is what the LORD says -- your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
"I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you,
who directs you in the way you should go.
If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea.
Your descendants would have been like the sand, your children like its numberless grains; their name would never be cut off nor destroyed from before me."
God is so good! He is loving, patient, compassionate and faithful. He created us to be in relationship with Him; directing and teaching us so that we would walk with Him in His ways. This is His truth and His promise.
As I was reading Isaiah 48:17-19, I was struck by the two little words "if only"...
If only we didn't just squeeze Him into our day.
If only we truly knew His Word.
If only we paid attention to His commands.
If only we truly knew Him.
If only we chose His path.
If only we taught His word and His ways to our children.
Ouch! This list might sting a bit... but my intention for this list is not to condemn -- it is meant to point out choices. If only we would choose God's ways, His teachings, His paths... we would experience the fullness of His love, the solid foundation of His truth, and His perfect purpose for our lives. He wants to be our Teacher. God wants to direct us in the way we should go.
I must say that I don't want to experience the "if only." I want to experience the abundance of Him in my life. I want to experience His path as it unfolds before me. I know that His path will include both joy and sorrow, but I pray that when I finally see Jesus face-to-face, I will learn that my path on earth will closely match what He had planned for me all along.
And there is good news! Our LORD is patient and kind, ready to meet you wherever you are on your journey. He is ready for you to make a different choice; He is ready to set your feet firmly on His path again.
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You that You are my Teacher. LORD, may I always choose Your ways and may my feet remain firmly on Your path. You are my Redeemer, truly patient and kind, and for that I am truly thankful. Amen.
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