July 18

Isaiah 30:1-33:24

Where do you turn for help? Maybe you google something, watch a YouTube video, ignore the problem, or call a friend. But does your strategy consistently work? Israel once again finds itself in a predicament and once again does not turn to God for help. Their initial response to their problems was to turn to idols, horses, technology (chariots), and Egypt. God is a distant afterthought in their minds. Yet he is the only one who can bring the salvation they need. Isaiah 30:19 states, “How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you.” God was waiting for Israel to cry out to him for help, because he loves to respond to the needs of his children. And he has the same attitude towards us.

He is waiting to respond to our needs, if only we cry out to him. We always need to remember God is the only one who is able to meet our deepest needs. Whether we think our greatest problem is an external force (like Assyria) or an internal struggle (trials or temptations), God is the one to whom we need to turn because he is the only one who is able to save, heal, restore, and transform our lives.

Father God, thank you for hearing my cries for help and answering me. Help me to turn to you first during difficulties and never substitute you for anything else. Help me to acknowledge that you alone meet my deepest needs. Amen.

How can you train yourself to first go to God in times of need?

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