Isaiah 12
This week, we are continuing with devotions focused on ways in which we can share the good news of God — and why we should.
Estimated reading time3 min read
(Read Isaiah 12)
This week, we are continuing with devotions focused on ways in which we can share the good news of God — and why we should. Without God, we are living random lives, disconnected from a universal purpose. Without God, our lives are created, controlled, and ceased within the confines of humankind. With God, we have something real that is truth and light. With God, we have a true purpose and hope. We have connection.
In Isaiah 12, the Prophet used the words, praise, thanks, trust, salvation, exalt, and proclaim in this short chapter. He reminds us who God is and what He has done for us. Each time, Isaiah follows that with a strong declaration as to how we should respond to this.
You will say in that day:
“I will give thanks to you, O Lord,
for though you were angry with me,
your anger turned away,
that you might comfort me.
“Behold, God is my salvation;
I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the Lord God is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation.”
It is pretty clear that we are not supposed to take what God has given us and hide it for ourselves or a later time. Jesus echoed this in his parable about the Ten Minas. All citizens of God’s kingdom are responsible to live toward God’s goals and purposes. God has blessed us with many things; we are not to avoid giving him the glory. While Jesus is known for being peaceful and loving, he sternly condemned the inactive in this parable.
“Give thanks to the Lord,
call upon his name,
make known his deeds among the peoples,
proclaim that his name is exalted.
As believers in Christ, we possess his living water. It must flow from us into the world. It is our place to shout and sing praises to him. “All-in” is a popular phrase these days. God has been and will always be all-in in our lives. There is no lukewarm way to reflect his perfect love for us.
Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion,
for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.”
Application:
- Have you ever experienced something beautiful from a family member or friend and you felt like there was no appropriate way to thank them?
- Think about the love, relationships, and true treasures in your life. Do you realize how much God has done for you?
- Do you publicly share what God has done for you in your life?
Key Takeaways:
- Think of something really special that someone has done for you. That gesture was a symbol of God’s love and grace. Pray and consider how you can share your gratitude.
- Make a list of all real blessings in your life. Not temporary things like status or wealth. Put aside all the hurt and pain and only consider the great and amazing things you have in your life.
- Pray this week about all that God has given you. Give him back the praise that he deserves. If you can’t be public about this, then live your life as Christ would want you to. That is another way of exalting him.
