Isaiah begins Chapter 58 by pointing out the hypocrisy of the Jews in their worship of God. They claim they are humbly fasting but God says otherwise in verses 3-4. ‘We have fasted before you!’ they say.
    ‘Why aren’t you impressed? We have been very hard on ourselves, and you don’t even notice it!’ “I will tell you why!” I respond.  “It’s because you are fasting to please yourselves.
Even while you fast,  you keep oppressing your workers. ⁴ What good is fasting  when you keep on fighting and quarreling? This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with me.” They see themselves as observant but God points to their heart motives as they are doing the fasting to please themselves and living as oppressors towards those who work for them. We cannot lie to God as He see the true nature of our hearts! God calls them out as self-serving and points out how He wants them to act towards others in verses 6-7. “No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned;  lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. ⁷ Share your food with the hungry,  and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.”

When we do as God desires, with hearts are aligned to His, then God promises light, healing, to have our backs, to answers our cries for help, to lift oppression, that night will become like day and as our guide He will bring us satifcation in life so that we are like a well-watered garden. Let the truth of these verses, 8-11, empower and calm you.

“Then your salvation will come like the dawn,
    and your wounds will quickly heal.
Your godliness will lead you forward,
    and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.
⁹ Then when you call, the Lord will answer.
    ‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply.

“Remove the heavy yoke of oppression.
    Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors!
¹⁰ Feed the hungry,
    and help those in trouble.
Then your light will shine out from the darkness,
    and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.
¹¹ The Lord will guide you continually,
    giving you water when you are dry
    and restoring your strength.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
    like an ever-flowing spring.

God promises to guide, care and tend to us as His special ones. He loves us and wants the best for us. He wants us to grow and thrive under His care. Are you not touched by His calming words and promises here? I am. I want to do the things that please and honor Him so that He will cultivate and grow me to be more and more like Jesus. How about you? Pray for guidance both physical and spiritual in your life. Pray for His strength and continued grow as you study and learn more about Him. God promises to quickly respond to your call, 9. Call upon Him today.

Linda