February 21 – Waiting for Humility (Isaiah 30:15-18)

“The Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion.”(Isaiah 30:18)

IN WORD:
We ask a common question in times of difficulty: “Where is God?” We don’t ask such questions when all is well. But there are times when all is not well, and we grow suspicious of our Creator. If the difficulty is prolonged, the question grows even more accusing. We wonder why answers to our cries for help are not immediate.
God’s answer is here in Isaiah: He longs to be gracious. That is His nature. Regardless of what our circumstances tell us, we must know beyond the shadow of a doubt that he is, at His very core, a gracious, compassionate God. Whatever other questions may come to mind, we must never doubt that compassion directs Him. Even when He is angry, as when Isaiah prophesied to His covenant people, it is an anger backed by redemption. There is a caring purpose in it.
Knowing this, we are stuck with one nagging question: Why does He have to “long” to be gracious? If He is so ready to show us His compassion, why does He wait? Two related reasons: (1) There is a purging purpose that only time can accomplish in our hearts; and (2) His compassion only becomes visible when we’re repentant (v. 15). Humility is the key. Most of God’s blessings are promised to the humble — those who acknowledge their bankrupt condition before Him. None are promised to the proud.

IN DEED:
Are you wondering where the presence of God is in your life? If He is waiting, there may be a lack of humility that, when corrected, will open the door for Him to act. You may be going through a purging process that will not be lifted until his work in your heart is complete. His compassion is too great to relieve your circumstances while leaving your heart in the same condition as before. He is too merciful to solve your problems without imparting His character to you. Let your waiting accomplish His work. Then you will see His compassion.

“The door of God is humility.” -John the Short-