The Book Of Isaiah. Day 160, Personal And National Sin

In yesterday's study we viewed some of the things that were preventing the people's prayers from being heard. Today we look at some of the results of those sins, of which they have not repented.

But since the people are persisting in sin, they are seeing no relief. They are stumbling and fumbling about like someone trying to find an exit in pitch darkness. "Like the blind we grope along the wall, feeling our way like people without eyes. At midday we stumble as if it were twilight; among the strong, we are like the dead." (Isaiah 59:10) When we give in to our own compulsions and go our own way, we can end up in a very dark place. But what happens when our lives are guided by the Lord? The Lord Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12) We don't have to stumble and fumble through life; we can have the guidance of the Lord.

A life not centered upon the Lord is unsatisfying. We can run to and fro and we can look here and there but nothing we try will satisfy the needs of our souls. The Lord compares the unsatisfied soul to the growls of a hungry bear or a bird in distress. "We all growl like bears; we moan mournfully like doves. We look for justice, but find none; for deliverance, but it is far away." (Isaiah 59:11) It seems like nothing good is happening. Everywhere the wayward person looks, there is more bad news.

Why is no justice found? Why are people's rights being ignored? Why are enemies increasing on every side? Troubles have increased because sins have increased, as Isaiah confesses on behalf of the whole nation to the Lord. "For our offenses are many in Your sight, and our sins testify against us. Our offenses are ever with us, and we acknowledge our iniquities: rebellion and treachery against the Lord, turning our backs on our God, inciting revolt and oppression, uttering lies our hearts have conceived. So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter. Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey." (Isaiah 59:12-15)

Isaiah sets an example for us to follow in prayer. Although Isaiah himself hasn't committed the specific sins listed above, since he loves the Lord and is faithful to Him, he is not a perfect man. He has committed some sins, as we all do, and he is also aware of the sins the citizens of his nation are committing. He lumps himself in together with all the people and with all the sins of the people. We can do the same in our prayers, praying for forgiveness for our own sins and praying for forgiveness for all the citizens of our nation. We are not perfect, for no one is, and although we may never have committed sins as grievous as some folks have, we have made our own mistakes. We should deal with our own mistakes first and then move on into praying for the whole nation, just as Isaiah did, and we can ask the Lord for mercy on all of us together.