Trusting God to Help Me Through Every Trial (Isaiah 50)

Evening Scripture

Isaiah, Chapter 50

This is what the Lord says:

“Where is your mother’s certificate of divorce
with which I sent her away?
Or to which of my creditors
did I sell you?

Because of your sins you were sold;
because of your transgressions your mother was sent away.

When I came, why was there no one?
When I called, why was there no one to answer?

Was my arm too short to deliver you?
Do I lack the strength to rescue you?

By a mere rebuke I dry up the sea,
I turn rivers into a desert;
their fish rot for lack of water
and die of thirst.

I clothe the heavens with darkness
and make sackcloth its covering.”

The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue,
to know the word that sustains the weary.

He wakens me morning by morning,
wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.

The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears;
I have not been rebellious,
I have not turned away.

I offered my back to those who beat me,
my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard;
I did not hide my face
from mocking and spitting.

Because the Sovereign Lord helps me,
I will not be disgraced.

Therefore have I set my face like flint,
and I know I will not be put to shame.

He who vindicates me is near.
Who then will bring charges against me?
Let us face each other!

Who is my accuser?
Let him confront me!

It is the Sovereign Lord who helps me.
Who will condemn me?
They will all wear out like a garment;
the moths will eat them up.

Who among you fears the Lord
and obeys the word of his servant?

Let the one who walks in the dark,
who has no light,
trust in the name of the Lord
and rely on their God.

But now, all you who light fires
and provide yourselves with flaming torches,
go, walk in the light of your fires
and of the torches you have set ablaze.

This is what you shall receive from my hand:
You will lie down in torment.

Evening Reflection

Trials and struggles are a part of this life, as promised by Jesus. Sometimes it’s easy to wonder where God is in all of it – or worse, why he seems to go silent in the most challenging times. When it does happen, as it does to all, it often feels so easy for our faith to fade a bit. And yet, those are precisely the times you need to step closer to the Lord. Those are the times you need to lay all of your troubles at his feet and leave them there, trusting in him to see you through. We trust his divine purpose, even if we don’t see it or feel it.

Even as far back as the prophet Isaiah, hard times created two options: to trust God or to go your own way and rely on your own abilities to it through. But that lack of trust is a direct reflection on God’s character and on God’s promises, and reflects a lack of faith in those promises. In Isaiah 50, the Lord makes very clear that he wants us to trust him. “Let the one who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on their God.” Yet, if you follow your own light – not trusting him – then the trouble will magnify.

Scripture teaches that God has a purpose for allowing trials – that he works all things for the good of those who love him. (Romans 8:28) Trials are a part of God’s plan to help refine your faith and to develop godly character, drawing us closer to him (Romans 5:3–5; 1 Peter 1:6–7).

Trusting in God during these difficult times does not mean you ignore your pain. It doesn’t mean you need to pretend everything is okay. Trusting in God means you can rely on his promises; you can hold fast to his character; and have confidence in his presence, even when he doesn’t feel near or when the circumstances don’t make any sense at all. Even if you don’t feel his presence, you can be confident God is right next to you, holding you.

Evening Prayer

Glorious Father in heaven,

You know the struggles I’m facing right now. I know that you are the only one who can help me, who can see me through it. You are the one to give me strength and courage to face what I must. Help me to lean on you. Shine your light into my heart and guide my path.

Amen.

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Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.

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