DEVOTION – DAY 193

Isaiah 55:1 Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.

What a wonderful invitation that God extends through the prophet Isaiah, to all His people! God offers satisfaction to those who are spiritually thirsty and hungry. In God’s invitation, there are no conditions that are required to be met first. What God has to offer to satisfy us is freely given. No one needs to pay for it. In ancient times, wine and milk were symbols for abundance, for enjoyment and for nourishment. God is offering an abundance for His people’s enjoyment and nourishment if only they were willing to come to Him and drink and seek His spiritual refreshment that only God can offer. It is a refreshment that will satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. 

We know of people who focused their lives on building up their careers and businesses thinking that it would satisfy them. For a while, they were satisfied when they become financially successful because of their careers and businesses. But when they have to retire and everyone retires, suddenly, their lives become empty and there was a void that nothing seems to be able to fill. Sometimes, successful businesses, fail as some did during the Covid-19 pandemic, and people who had spent their lives building their businesses see them all collapse. They are devastated. We know people who devoted themselves to developing their natural gifts and talents. When they excel, they enjoy the praises and attention given to them by others. But after a while, the praises become routine. The novelty wears off and boredom sets in for them and they start getting restless. If that seems familiar, such people should take God’s call in Isaiah 55:1 seriously and accept His invitation to come and drink from Him to quench the deepest longings of their hearts.

We know someone who thought a lot of money would bring him great satisfaction. But when he achieved some measure of success, he was still restless. There was something missing in his life. No amount of money in his bank account would give him the peace he sought in his heart. He finally found that inner peace, joy and satisfaction when he accepted God’s invitation to follow His Son, Jesus as his Lord and Savior. 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for your invitation to come and drink from you to satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. We pray that everyone will accept your invitation and have a personal relationship with you through your Son, the Lord Jesus. We humbly ask this in the great name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

• Have you ever felt restless and have a longing that only the Lord can satisfy? Share.
• How has the Lord satisfied the deepest longings of your own heart? Share.
• What are some things that people rely on typically to satisfy their restlessness and longings and why do they not satisfy them? Discuss.
• Who and how can you help someone to accept God’s invitation to come to Him to receive the spiritual refreshment they need?