Abba, Father...

Tomorrow I start 4 months of Sabbatical.
Sabbath....
Time of Trusting God's provision,
God's voice,
Rest,
Celebrating His Goodness.
A new chapter,
a change of pace.
I will not be posting here until I 'get back' in February,
and although I will miss this daily discipline and routine,
I trust that God will feed me and you during our time 'apart'.

This morning my reading took me to some chapters in Isaiah.

Barry has been preaching on Isaiah and it has given me a fresh perspective on God's Heart.
In the past as I read Isaiah's message, I usually saw an
Angry God chastising 'stupid' people....

Barry's challenge to me is that the text can be read from
a different perspective....
A loving, sad Father,
doing everything possible to provide a way for His people
even though they are stubborn, rebellious, forgetful
and yes... even stupid.
Father's desire is that they return to the place of His love
and care
and blessing.

The challenge is that
the people in the difficulty
(that place of being taught to come back to God)
often didn't see Him as Father,
calling,
beckoning for them to come back to Him.

but as angry and uncaring....

I am realizing that that perspective is
flawed.....
Isaiah 49:14 But Zion said, “The LORD has forsaken me;
my Lord has forgotten me.”
And the Lord's reply;
15 “Can a woman forget her nursing child,
that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb?
Even these may forget,
yet I will not forget you.
16a Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands..."

Lord,
Thank You for fresh perspective.
in the midst of what
might look like Angry
or even BAD stuff
Your heart for me is to receive Your
care, love, and blessing.
As I lean into You
and trust Your intent
...I am reminded and come to You
to believe You
to really know,
that I matter to You.

I actually do matter
to You.....

You came
You died
for me.

You are my
Abba, Father.

yes.

I love You.

PJ