In yesterday’s article, I shared about having a daily prayer time. This involves starting the day with prayer, taking a short break in the afternoon to connect with the Lord, and ending the day with prayer before bed.

The benefit of this routine is that it reminds us of God’s actions as we read the Bible and pray.

A few years ago, I listened to a well-known Christian leader. He said his daily life felt like walking through a muddy field. With each step, he collected more mud from the world around him.

He explained that his afternoon prayer time was when he removed that mud and focused on God.

Before going to sleep, we take time to look back on our day, admit any wrongs, and give our worries to God.

We live in a chaotic and troubling world. Without focusing on God, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by what’s happening.

When we turn to God, we learn that He is active in history. Despite evidence to the contrary, He is working for His glory and our good. This passage from Isaiah highlights that fact better than most parts of the Bible.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven
and do not return there until they have watered the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,

so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose
and succeed in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:8-11)

When we fill our minds with social media or the news, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the problems happening. But if we read God’s Word, we find out that His thoughts and purposes are higher than ours.

For the past 60 years, I’ve dedicated my life both professionally and personally to studying God’s Word. This might give me a head start compared to those new to studying the Bible. My advice to you is to be patient.

Whether you’re new to the faith or have been following the Lord for a long time like me, God will guide you in your daily life. He will show you that His thoughts are higher than ours. As we turn to His thoughts, we’ll have what we need to navigate this troubling and confusing world.

I often talk about reading the Gospels because that’s where Jesus speaks to us. When you read, ask the Lord to help you understand what He is saying and how to apply it. Read a portion, pray about it, and then act on it. This is one of the best ways I know to connect with what God is telling you.

Let’s also remember Isaiah’s words: His thoughts are higher than our thoughts, and His ways are higher than ours.

God’s Purpose Will Be Accomplished

When Isaiah wrote these words, Israel was a small nation surrounded by superpowers at war. The Babylonians, Persians, and Assyrians traveled through the Holy Land to reach Egypt for corn and grain. Today, the Middle East is still a place of conflict, mostly over oil.

The temple in Jerusalem was not just a place of worship; it was also a fortress. Covering 25% of Jerusalem’s area, it acted as an outpost. It defended the routes between places like Assyria, Babylon, Persia, and Egypt.

This put Jerusalem in the sights of superpowers wanting access to Egypt’s food supplies. Isaiah’s audience could easily be worried, but the prophet reminded them that God was at work with a plan to accomplish.

He told them to focus on God’s purposes instead of being afraid of what was happening.

Just like in the past, certain things can make us very anxious. Isaiah tells us that God has plans, purposes, and promises He intends to fulfill.

Reading the Bible daily and talking to God helps remind us of those promises and keeps our faith focused on God instead of the world.

When we read and pray through the scriptures, we learn not only about God’s purposes but also about His methods. Jesus confronted the world’s powers by healing the sick, freeing people from demonic influences, and proclaiming God’s good news.

As His servants, we will find ways to join in His ministry, healing and freeing people from evil. We’ll also be able to spread the good news.

One of my friends used to be a drug dealer. Last night, he told me, “I’m no longer a drug dealer; I am a hope dealer.” He shares the hope of God’s good news in a very appealing way. Where did he learn that? He learned it by being in contact with God, studying the Bible, and trying to live it out in his daily life.

YouTube Discussion

Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today.