Read Isaiah 59:1–3
I often hear in my head the lyrics to a delightful tune from the blockbuster movie Mary Poppins: “Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.” I recall as a boy having to take doses of sour medicine, which my mother had sweetened with honey, so I wouldn’t gag as I swallowed.
Sometimes, God has us swallow some bitter medicine too. The medicine often includes the tough pill of truth regarding our sin. The sugar is His grace and kindness and the forgiveness He offers upon our return to our senses.
Isaiah didn’t shrink from proclaiming the bitter pill of truth to Israel as they wondered why they had lost favour in the sight of God.
Listen! The LORD’s arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call. It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore. Your hands are the hands of murderers, and your fingers are filthy with sin. Your lips are full of lies, and your mouth spews corruption. (Isaiah 59:1–3)
How’s that for some tough medicine!
Wondering why life isn’t working as you had planned? Struggling for years to pull yourself out of the pit of financial bondage? Can’t seem to get a beat on the reason why your wife and children continue to languish through each day? Listen! Stop blaming everyone around you and consider the truth of Isaiah 59. Is there something in your life you know is displeasing to the Lord?
Are you deceiving yourself, attempting to maintain a double life before your family and friends? It’s no wonder God has “turned” His favour from you. Whatever it is, get it right. Turn back to the Lord in humility and surrender your will to His—once and for all.
If you swallow the tough pill of repentance, He will offer you His sweet and delectable mercy in response. Now...take your medicine and get on with it. Today.
Devotional content taken from Good Morning, Lord...Can We Talk? by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 2018. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries. All rights reserved.
The full devotional can be purchased at https://www.tyndale.com/p/good-morning-lord-can-we-talk/9781414380681.
