Daily Devotional

Going through the old testament there are so many times when a group of people stray from following the Lord and then he strikes them by conquering armies, an evil judge or even possibly famine or plague. When these uncomfortable events come upon them, then they cry out for deliverance, again recognizing that God is the one who can deliver them and for the most part He does. 

A few verses before Isaiah19:22 exemplifies this…"for they will cry to the LORD because of the oppressors, and He will send them a Savior and a Mighty One, and He will deliver them." 
(Is. 19:20)

God loves us so much that in spite of our flaws He still continues to give us more chances to live right. It makes me want to be more understanding and forgiving than ever before.

I love that Job attacks the temptation to turn from God when he was faced with such horrific trials and says, "Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity!" It causes me to think about how we only notice when someone makes a mistake, not all the times when they serve us and get things right. Do we let them know how much we appreciate them or just point out when they do it wrong?

Living this kind of appreciative life helps us enter into forgiveness and puts us in places that allow for reconciliation. Verse 24 takes the kindness and healing that the Lord gave to Egypt and Assyria and spoke of a reconciliation that would come. "In that day Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria–a blessing in the midst of the land, whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, "Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance."

Sometimes the Lord uses trials in our lives to bring us together with loved ones we haven't seen in a long time. Some of whom there has been conflict with that has kept us apart for months, sometimes years. And, when the contact comes, we have to decide what we are going to do. Will we lean in and reach out with the kindness the Lord continues to extend to us? It's hard sometimes. But it makes me think, am I willing to really follow Jesus. What would He do? He has been so faithful to stay by my side even when I've messed up. So I hope I can show that same love to others.

"Goodness of God"
Verse 1
I love You Lord
Oh Your mercy never fails me
All my days
I've been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
I will sing of the goodness of God

Chorus 1
All my life You have been faithful
All my life You have been so so good
With every breath that I am able
I will sing of the goodness of God

Verse 2
I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
In darkest night
You are close like no other
I've known You as a father
I've known You as a friend
I have lived in the goodness of God

Misc 1
(Bridge)
Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
With my life laid down
I’m surrendered now
I give You everything
Your goodness is running after
It's running after me


Ed Cash and Jenn Johnson
2018 Alletrop Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) and Remaining portion is unaffiliated
CCLI Song #7117726  CCLI License #144020

New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.