MEDITATIONS
FROM ISAIAH
January 25,
2006 Reading:
Isaiah 32:1-4
“A man will be as a hiding place from the wind,
and a cover from the tempest” Isa 32:2.
Soul of mine, listen to that raging wind—it is so strong that the trees bend in the wake of its force and you consider the wisdom of leaving the protection of your home. In some parts, as is the recent experience, even one’s home fails to offer the protection needed as hurricanes tore through the south uprooting trees, demolishing houses, and bringing total devastation to the area, including the loss of life. How powerful the wind can be.
But you speak of physical wind—physical yet unseen—unseen yet the resulting damage is all too obvious. What about the devastation caused by spiritual storms, spiritual hurricanes whose source is easily traced back to the world, the flesh, and the devil? Spiritual storms are often equally as powerful and with greater devastation for, unless checked by the hand of God, can cause eternal damage. However, there is good news for the children of God—never will any spiritual storm cause Jesus to relax His grasp of you. Heed the grand announcement of Almighty God, “You are mine, and I call you by name.” Will He who became sin for you and suffered such an ignominious death open His hand and throw you away? Will He who said, I will never leave you nor forsake you,” break His promise? You are His because of His faithfulness and not because you agreed to be.
Truly, this Man Jesus, the One who calmed the storm with the words of His lips, “will be as a hiding place from the wind, and a cover from the tempest.”
When
fools around me laugh and sneer,
I
look to Christ, He’s always near.
When
stormed tossed waves cause me to fear,
I
hear my Savior, sweet and clear.
“Be
not afraid, my child, I’m here,
I
hear the crowds that mock and jeer.
I
too, ‘cause of them, shed many a tear,
Come
nearer, my child, I love you dear.”
When
Christian friends who mean no harm
Through
misunderstandings cause alarm,
I
turn and lean on Jesus’ arm,
And
enjoy the sunshine of His balm.
I
hear Him tell that when on earth
He
suffered much from others mirth.
“They
sneered at my unusual birth,
They
realized not what it was worth.”
The
waves around are fierce and deep,
Into
my vessel oft they leap.
How
can I from sinking keep
When
the Master’s lying here asleep?
Then
my Savior wakes from rest
And says, “My child, ‘tis but a test.
Your
faith, as yet, is not the best.
Fear
not, the waves will not molest.
The
winds and waves with one accord
Obey
the commandment of my Lord.
‘Tis
not a sermon, just a word
Which pierces through them like a sword.
I’ll
rest in Him whate’re betide,
For
Christ, my Savior’s by my side.
“I’m
your Haven, come and hide
From
storm tossed seas, in Me abide.”
DTP