Devotions: Revived Hearts

For thus says the high and exalted One
Who lives forever, whose name is Holy,
“I dwell on a high and holy place,
And also with the contrite and lowly of spirit
In order to revive the spirit of the lowly
And to revive the heart of the contrite.”

Isaiah 57:15 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

God spoke this as an encouragement to the Israelites who would be punished for their idolatry. The book of Isaiah was written several years before it actually happened, and unfortunately the Israelites did not heed its warnings. But God knew that one day, when the predictions came true, they would look back. God is holy, there is none higher than He, but He does not permanently distance Himself from those beneath Him. He longs to be with us, not because He needs us but because He loves us. He doesn’t stay only in His lofty place, but dwells also with us. In this context, contrite and lowly refer to those who are repentant and humble. God cannot abide with the proud and rebellious for they reject Him, and set themselves up in His place. He comes down for those who recognize their true position and state of their hearts. Why does He do that? He comes in order to revive them. Those who are humble He longs to lift up to see how much they are worth to Him. Those who are repentant often feel the weight of their guilt and He desires to encourage them, to show them His grace and mercy. How do you see God; as high and aloof or near and comforting? How is your heart; is it humble and repentant or arrogant and rebellious? Ask God to give you perspective and true sight into both who He is and who you are. Submit yourself to His direction and accept His view of you.

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