The ReturnSample

Return to Justice

At the start of this plan we asked ourselves, ‘What’s at stake? Where will we end up if we reject God’s invitation to return to Him?’ Thankfully, Isaiah shows us what it can look like when we accept God’s invitation. Isaiah 30:18 gives us the good news. God is waiting to be gracious and merciful to us. You’ll remember these words were spoken to God’s people, so afraid and insecure that they were bent on striking a deal with Egypt, hoping this would keep them safe.

God reminds His people that He’s a God of justice, and they’ll be blessed if they wait for Him. He’s urging them to slow down and trust Him. He’ll come through for them and do everything right. This is so relevant to us, because when we find ourselves in a dark night of the soul, we lose hope that God is a God of the details too. Clearly, the people of Israel were feeling that way—forgotten, ignored, unconvinced that God was looking out for them. Maybe you can relate. It might not feel as if God is getting everything right in your life, which might make you get ahead of yourself and your circumstances and God. Slow down. Cultivate an eternal perspective on justice to help you come to terms with any injustice you may be experiencing now.

God’s justice is higher and better than any earthly version. In Isaiah 30:19–21, Isaiah shows us what it looks like when God does everything right. If we return to God, we’ll experience His comfort—we’ll weep no more! He’ll answer our cries. And even when we face adversity and affliction, God won’t be far. We’ll sense His presence and hear His voice guiding us. God’s justice even plays out in the way He provides for us (Isaiah 30:23, 25). The earth He has given us and the weather He commands will produce more than enough to sustain us, and the future is brighter than we might dare to imagine. In Isaiah 30:27–29, God also assures His people that He will deal decisively with their enemies, and He promises His people joy and relief. It should comfort you to know that God knows who or what you’re up against. He is able to defeat your enemies and replace your fear with gladness.

Take some time to thank God that when you return to Him, you’re promised His perfect justice, comfort, guidance, provision, and presence, in good times and bad. Return to God today. Much is at stake—for you, and for those around you. Reject the temptation to rely on your own wisdom and your own resources and trust God instead, depending completely on Him and allowing Him to fill your heart with a song of celebration.