Archived Verse Of the Week
July 31st, 2023
Isaiah
50:4
"The Lord God has given Me
The tongue of the learned,
That I should know how to speak
A word in season to him who is weary.
He awakens Me morning by morning,
He awakens My ear
To hear as the learned."
- BsL
In this busy and chaotic world, we often find ourselves struggling with weariness and uncertainty. Thankfully, God, in His infinite wisdom and compassion, has provided us with His Word to sustain and guide us through life's trials. Isaiah 50:4 offers us a powerful reminder of the value of listening to God's voice and the comfort it brings to our weary souls. As we delve into this verse, let us explore its profound message and gain insights from other scriptures to strengthen our faith and walk with Christ.
A Well-Instructed Tongue:
God has equipped us with the ability to speak and convey His message of hope, love, and truth to others. However, to speak words that truly sustain the weary, we must first be well-instructed in His Word. Psalm 119:105 reminds us, "Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path." By continually studying and meditating on the scriptures, we align our hearts with God's wisdom, allowing us to comfort those who are burdened and disheartened.
Knowing the Word that Sustains:
In times of difficulty, our souls crave sustenance and strength. As we encounter people who are weary and brokenhearted, we must be attentive to God's voice, seeking guidance on how to minister to them. The Lord exemplified this in His earthly ministry when He proclaimed, "Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28). By knowing and sharing the promises of God's rest and comfort found in His Word, we become vessels of His love and compassion.
Wakened Morning by Morning:
This verse in Isaiah reveals that God awakens the speaker's ear morning by morning. Likewise, as followers of Christ, it is vital for us to start each day by seeking God's presence through prayer and meditation. Psalm 143:8 provides these encouraging words, "Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You." By beginning our day in communion with God, we open our hearts to receive His instruction, making us more sensitive to the needs of others and better equipped to offer comfort and empathy.
Listening Like One Being Instructed:
Truly listening is an art, especially when it comes to hearing God's voice and the concerns of others. Proverbs 19:20 advises, "Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days." When we actively listen, we demonstrate Christ's love to those who are hurting. Let us remind ourselves daily that we must learn by listening to speak a word in season. By humbly accepting God's instruction and seeking to understand others' pain, we create an environment of compassion where healing can begin.
As we cultivate a well-instructed tongue through studying scripture, know the word that sustains, seek God's presence daily, and listen with empathy, we become instruments of God's compassion in a hurting world. Let us approach each day with open hearts, ready to extend God's love and comfort to those around us as we walk hand-in-hand with the One who sustains us all.