Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them.
Isaiah 30:20
Oh yes, people of Zion, citizens of Jerusalem, your time of tears is over. Cry for help and you’ll find it’s grace and more grace. The moment he hears, he’ll answer. Just as the Master kept you alive during the hard times, he’ll keep your teacher alive and present among you. Your teacher will be right there, local and on the job, urging you on whenever you wander left or right: “This is the right road. Walk down this road.” You’ll scrap your expensive and fashionable god-images. You’ll throw them in the trash as so much garbage, saying, “Good riddance!”
Isaiah 30: 16-22 MSG
Heavenly Father, to what do I attribute this afflicted heart?
Where did the oppression originate from? When did it start?
These afflictions, perhaps grounded in wickedness, lie next to me on my pillow at night, for they have no rest.
With the rising of the sun, my eyes flutter open and there they still remain, ready to put my patience to the test.
But I rebuke them with prayer and remind them that at night you are the Guardian that never sleeps.
Still with their intention to rob me of a new day’s blessings, into my mind their negativity begins to seep.
These afflictions prowl around quietly and unsuspectingly waiting for an opportune moment to immerse themselves deep within.
Characteristic of Satan’s strategy, he uses them in a creative way to obtain a win.
These afflictions sit next to me in the sanctuary and carry my mind to places I don’t belong.
Thief of Your affections, they distract me from singing praise and worship songs.
These afflictions, perhaps ordained by You, my Father, arrive uninvited and without notice.
Not knowing how long they will stay makes them difficult to bear and the reason I can’t find my focus.
What assignment is coming that this heart must endure these afflictions?
For what task does so much skill and refinement require?
In reality the length doesn’t matter because as long as You will be glorified by them, I will endure them in Your honor.
These afflictions add more scars to the others, which vary in colors, shapes and sizes and that, were part of Your perfect plan.
Heavily decorated like that of a five-star general’s lapel, my heart displays them proudly because they represent distinguished markings of Your Holy Hands.
I quench my self-centered desires to go home in order to escape my afflictions here on earth.
And acknowledge that to be in Your Holy presence is heaven’s true worth.
How do I prevent them from temporarily confusing my senses and erasing your track record of faithfulness?
How to I remain at the ready to rebuke those afflictions that must bow down before the name of Jesus?
Where is the walking stick You provide to navigate the mountains of affliction?
Where is the light You shine ahead as I muddle through the murky waters looking for direction?
My believing heart reaches its hands up to You
Confident that you have the remedy or solution to see me through.
As I lift my heart to the heavens praying for a breakthrough
I feel Your Helper arrive with His comforting embrace
Bringing along with Him, a downpour of grace
Sweeping over my afflicted heart at a rapid pace
Mighty Healer and Comforter, my heart can’t operate without Your grace-filled touch
Words can’t describe how I love you so much
Like You there isn’t such
So Heavenly Father, I make you the keeper of this afflicted heart
Knowing that you will provide me with the grace I need to fulfill Your plans and to do my part.
For you designed this heart to endure afflictions for Your glory, right from the start