The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Isaiah 58:11 NIV
Isaiah wrote his prophecies primarily for the nation of Israel. In chapter fifty-eight, he describes what pleases and displeases the Lord concerning the religious fasting of God’s chosen people. Isaiah shares God’s desire for Israel to understand their disobedience and sin. Beyond that, Isaiah shares the promises of God’s goodness for those who repent and live in obedience to his will.
Isaiah indicates that the Israelites see themselves as righteous and wonder why God does not bless them. In Isaiah 58:3 he writes, “Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you don’t see? Why have we afflicted our soul, and you don’t notice? WEB” The answer they receive is connected to their attitude and the motivation behind their fasting. The second half of verse three reads, “Behold, in the day of your fast you find pleasure, and oppress all your laborers. WEB”
The word of God continues in Isaiah 53:4 saying, ‘Behold, you fast for strife and contention, and to strike with the fist of wickedness. You don’t fast today so as to make your voice heard on high. WEB” The Israelites were not fasting with the proper spirit of honoring God. Instead, they fasted for recognition of the deed itself and to resolve disputes between themselves.
When You Fast
Christ describes the correct attitude for fasting in Matthew 6:16-18 with these words, “Moreover when you fast, don’t be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces that they may be seen by men to be fasting. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you are not seen by men to be fasting, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you. WEB”
With this statement, Jesus fulfills Isaiah’s prophetic words, “the Lord will guide you always.” Isaiah continues revealing the heart and will of God instructing his readers to understand the type of fasting he desires. Isaiah writes that they are to release the bonds of wickedness, to let the oppressed go free, and feed the hungry. He encourages them to house the poor and clothe the naked.
Living in the righteousness of God, the Lord hears and answers our prayers. Isaiah follows with the encouraging words, “the Lord will guide you.” As we read in Proverbs 15:29, “The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. KJV” When we are faithful and obedient, the Lord hears our pleas, strengthens us, and makes us like a well watered garden.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the wisdom of your holy word. Thank you for your righteousness and correction. As I focus on these words, “the Lord will guide you,” direct my steps. Help me to live according to your will. In Jesus name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: My Soul Thirsts for You
