"Why doesn't God answer me?" This is not an uncommon question. Some feel that even though they have satisfied certain religious practices, God has not noticed any of it.
We can sense that there's a definite problem here, but what could it be? Something is amiss between ourselves and God. Perhaps the trouble lies internally rather than externally.
This is discussed in verses 1-14 of Isaiah 58. Here, it revolves around Israel and hypocritical fasts. They were concerned that even their compliance with the Law brought no relief from troubles.
Israel, following the same flawed logic as some today. They thought that they would be alright with God if they just performed some rituals according to the Law (e.g., fasting, ceremonies).
However, know this! God will not be cheated by those who think that only things like external services of religion will bring acceptance from Him. Merely going through the motions of religion won't do!
Unhumbled hearts that perform "external" services of religion only serve to cheat God. Cheated out of what? We are cheated out the acceptance God has promised only to the sincere and obedient.
If we do these things, yet continue to sin and mock Him, in other words, without any inward reality of faith, they are worthless. The Lord points out Israel's confusion with rituals and relationship, outward acts and obedience in verses 3-14.
When God does not answer, we have no reason to lay the blame on Him. The blame lies squarely on us. If you're not hearing from God, the answer rests in your own heart.
Scripture: James 4:3; John 15:7; Hebrews 11:6; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 66:18
Prayer: “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” -Isaiah 12:2
Blessings always,
Cyndy
This is discussed in verses 1-14 of Isaiah 58. Here, it revolves around Israel and hypocritical fasts. They were concerned that even their compliance with the Law brought no relief from troubles.
Israel, following the same flawed logic as some today. They thought that they would be alright with God if they just performed some rituals according to the Law (e.g., fasting, ceremonies).
However, know this! God will not be cheated by those who think that only things like external services of religion will bring acceptance from Him. Merely going through the motions of religion won't do!
Unhumbled hearts that perform "external" services of religion only serve to cheat God. Cheated out of what? We are cheated out the acceptance God has promised only to the sincere and obedient.
If we do these things, yet continue to sin and mock Him, in other words, without any inward reality of faith, they are worthless. The Lord points out Israel's confusion with rituals and relationship, outward acts and obedience in verses 3-14.
When God does not answer, we have no reason to lay the blame on Him. The blame lies squarely on us. If you're not hearing from God, the answer rests in your own heart.
Scripture: James 4:3; John 15:7; Hebrews 11:6; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 66:18
Prayer: “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” -Isaiah 12:2
Blessings always,
Cyndy
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