February 7, 2001
Oh people of Jerusalem, you will weep no more.
How gracious he will be when you cry for help!
As soon as he hears, he will answer you.
Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity
and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more;
With your own eyes you will see them.
Whether you turn to the right or to the left
Your ears will hear a voice behind you saying,
"This is the way, walk in it"
Isaiah 30:19-21
Again the gracious and loving heart of God is evident... he is concerned for Israel's tears; the pain and anguish they would feel while in captivity and he is assuring them, before it has even begun, that he is with them and will take care of them. He will deliver them from their weeping and pain. As soon as they cry out - he will be there. God wants them to understand that though he allows hardship and affliction this does not mean he doesn't love them! It is the complete opposite and that is so hard to grasp. God's heart is totally and completely consumed with love for his people. He wants to guide them to him and will continually do whatever it takes to help them get there.
This scripture and thought helps me stay strong in hard times, especially to cling to the truth that hard times DO NOT mean God is disappointed in me. Those are Satan's lies designed to keep me insecure. God disciplines and allows testing for those he loves because he knows we need to be matured and perfected in order to get to heaven!