Isaiah 57:10 You wearied yourself by such going about, but you would not say, ‘It is hopeless.’ You found renewal of your strength, and so you did not faint.
Today’s look at renewal in the book of Isaiah is different from what we have looked at so far this month. We look at the context of the entire passage to determine how it differs from previous devotions. Take a few moments to read Isaiah 57:1-10 and learn just what he was referring to by “such going about.”
In this verse, Isaiah rebuked Judah for their unending rebellion and relentless pursuit of idols. He described it as spiritual adultery, pointing out their stubbornness. Though they pursued these pointless things, they persevered, continuing to try to live as they had been, in rebellion. They were exhausting themselves with it, but they remained unyielding, instead choosing to continue with their pursuit of personal gain.
Instead of relying upon God to be their All in all, their Everything, they poured their resources into pagan idols, gave to foreign kings, and participated in the detestable practices like the worship of gods like Molech. Isaiah compared their devotion to these false gods as being like a wayward spouse, one who commits adultery.
How they didn’t hit rock bottom and realize they needed God again is a wonder. But Isaiah pointed out that they were stubborn and determined, and because of that they were achieving a temporary and unfulfilling revitalization or renewal. Their own efforts were fueling this renewal, but it was exhausting and they couldn’t sustain it. It was all rooted in their own pride rather than in faith.
And why was this included in a month of spiritual renewal?
We exhaust ourselves when our attention is divided between things. We may not worship idols like the people of Judah did but we do have our own idols – work, success, accomplishments, family, relationships, and even ministry. When we make these things our idols, even unknowingly, our focus is not fully on God and His will for us. We find ourselves renewed temporarily on the highs of little moments or little accomplishments, but they are fleeting and disappear, leaving us worn out and weary and seeking the next one.
Why do we do this to ourselves? Our renewal should come from Him, from doing His work and following His will for our lives. Remove the idols from your life and let Him be the only Idol you have. That isn’t saying quit your job, break up with your significant other, or stop serving. It simply means evaluate your heart and determine if Jesus is seated there or your idol.
Prayer: Lord, I don’t want things to get in the way of my devotion to You. Help me to see the idols in my life and remove them so that I may focus on doing Your will. Let my renewal come from You, not from my own temporary and unfulfilling efforts. Amen
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