DEVOTION – DAY 453

Isaiah 54:4-5 “God Almighty”

Isaiah 54:4-5 “Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of widowhood. For your Maker is your husband – the Lord Almighty is His name – the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; He is called the God of all the earth.”

The prophet Isaiah wrote these verses to comfort and encourage the people of Israel at a time when they were facing enemy nations more powerful than them. He wanted the Israelites to know that God will not abandon them. He wanted them to remember that God is their Maker, the Lord Almighty, the Holy One of Israel, the Redeemer, the God of all the earth. 

We too need to have the same words of encouragement today. Isaiah wanted the Israelites to be strong and not be fearful in the face of troubles. God will not let them be humiliated. The words “shame of your youth” in v4 was a reference to the Israelites time of slavery in Egypt. Whilst it was a shameful time in Israel’s history to be enslaved, God had miraculously freed them from slavery in Egypt and led them to the Promised Land. The words “reproach of widowhood” is a reference to the exile of the Jews to Babylon, when those left behind in Israel were alone, like a widow. Again, God brought those who were in exile back to Israel later. We can trust in the Lord Almighty.

A man was finding it hard to makes ends meets. The cost of living had gone up and he had problems finding the money to pay all his mounting household bills. He also needed a job that could give him regular income. He found comfort in verses like Isaiah 54:4-5 and he prayed to God. He placed his trust in God to help him find a decent job even as he sent in applications for various job vacancies. In the end, he got a stable job and he was able to meet most of his household bills. He thanked God for answering his prayers. 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we worship you, our Redeemer, our Maker, the Lord Almighty, the Holy One of Israel. We thank you for graciously hearing and answering our prayers. Please help to provide for our needs and make our paths straight. We humbly ask this in the Holy name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

  1. What hardships or difficulties are you facing? How are you managing to cope with these hardships and difficulties? 
  2. How has praying to God and reading His Word helped you in such tough times? 
  3. What are some tough times in your past that you overcome with God’s help? Share.
  4. How have God turned your fears and dismay into peace and joy?