God’s Heart for You
The high and lofty one who inhabits eternity, the Holy One, says this: “I live in that high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I refresh the humble and give new courage to those with repentant hearts.” Isaiah 57:15
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This verse gives us a beautiful picture of God’s relationship with his people. He is high and holy, the glorious, exalted One. He reigns over all in heaven and on earth. The Lord Almighty needs no house, for his dwelling place is all eternity. And yet he chooses to dwell with—literally to abide and make his home in—those who are anything but “high and holy” and who know it. Rather they are those whose spirits are humble, contrite, open, and teachable. Instead of being like the Pharisee in Luke 18, who thanked God that he wasn’t like the unjust or other unsavory people, they are like the tax gatherer who cried out for God’s mercy. They know how unworthy they are of God’s love and mercy. But God’s holy and loving heart is moved by individuals who humble themselves and acknowledge their weakness and dependence on him. Then he refreshes, revives, and gives new courage to these repentant souls. How gracious our God is!
Prayers:
OH, GOD, you are high and lifted up, glorious and exalted! And I am not. I bow before you and ask you to develop in me a heart of humility. Your Word says that you will not despise a repentant heart, and so I ask you to work that in me today. Thank you for meeting me right where I am and for bringing renewed courage for my life.
Quotes:
BETWEEN THE HUMBLE AND CONTRITE HEART AND THE MAJESTY OF HEAVEN, THERE ARE NO BARRIERS; THE ONLY PASSWORD IS PRAYER.
Hosea Ballou (1771–1852)
The One Year Bible Readings for today are: Isaiah 57:15–59:21; Philippians 1:1-26; Psalm 71:1-24; Proverbs 24:9-10.
