>>>

Isaiah 30:21 - Listening To The Still Small Voice.

Isaiah 30:21 (NIV) Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."

Isaiah 30:21 (NLT) Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, "This is the way you should go," whether to the right or to the left.

COMMENTARY PEARL

   In offering the prayer that Christ has given, we surrender ourselves to the guidance of God, asking Him to lead us in safe paths. We cannot offer this prayer in sincerity, and yet decide to walk in any way of our own choosing. We shall wait for His hand to lead us; we shall listen to His voice, saying, "This is the way, walk ye in it." Isaiah 30:21.
   It is not safe for us to linger to contemplate the advantages to be reaped through yielding to Satan's suggestions. Sin means dishonor and disaster to every soul that indulges in it; but it is blinding and deceiving in its nature, and it will entice us with flattering presentations. If we venture on Satan's ground we have no assurance of protection from his power. So far as in us lies, we should close every avenue by which the tempter may find access to us.
   The prayer, "Bring us not into temptation," is itself a promise. If we commit ourselves to God we have the assurance, He "will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." 1 Corinthians 10:13.
   The only safeguard against evil is the indwelling of Christ in the heart through faith in His righteousness. It is because selfishness exists in our hearts that temptation has power over us. But when we behold the great love of God, selfishness appears to us in its hideous and repulsive character, and we desire to have it expelled from the soul. As the Holy Spirit glorifies Christ, our hearts are softened and subdued, the temptation loses its power, and the grace of Christ transforms the character. MB117-118

COMMENTARY

   "If you encounter a bear in the wild, hug it! A bear can't scratch its own belly." "Bears can't run downhill." "Climb a tree to escape a bear." Advice abounds on the internet, but following bad advice during a bear encounter could get you killed. Bears can and do scratch their own bellies, and they can run up to 35 miles per hour - even downhill. They're also excellent climbers. If a bear approaches you in the wild, bear spray is the most effective deterrent.
   It's vital to get guidance from the right source. In Isaiah 30, God rebukes His rebellious children for taking counsel "not of Me" (v. 1). Instead of looking to God for salvation from the Assyrians, the Israelites turned to Egypt for help. Worse still, they actively avoided God's direction by asking His prophets to "prophesy deceits" (v. 10). They wanted nothing to do with God's way, so God predicted that Egypt would not help them and that the Assyrians would punish them.
   But even when His people intentionally disobey, God is merciful. "He will be very gracious to you at the sound of your cry," Isaiah told the rebellious people (v. 19). "He will answer" as soon as His people are willing to listen.
   Do you need guidance? Are you ready to hear from God and willing to follow His path? God promises that His word, like a divine GPS system, will whisper directions in your ear. Whether you need help with a big decision or moment-by-moment choices, the Holy Spirit is standing by with all the wisdom you need.
   Merciful Father, I need Your direction, and I'm ready to follow Your path. Please show me which way to go. [The Most Amazing Bible Promises by Amazing Facts]

Walk This Way
   As usual, we arrived at the airport with plenty of time to check our bags, get our boarding passes, and make it through security before our flight was scheduled to leave. We were already to go, but our flight wasn't. A delay left us cooling our heels for the next two hours.
   As we waited, sitting in front of those huge airport windows, watching the planes arrive and depart, I saw something that made me think. A huge plane, one of the biggest I'd ever seen, was being towed by a small cart attached to its front wheels.
   Since I've turned my life over to Jesus Christ, I no longer move under my own power. Just as that jumbo jet had to turn off its big engine and be led, I too must relinquish control of my life to the Holy Spirit and let him move me wherever God wants me to go. He doesn't bully me with his great power but directs my life with small nudges and gentle whispers.
   I have learned in Celebrate Recovery to pay attention to those seemingly small nudges, which often come through other people. They keep me grounded and moving in the right direction.
   Father in heaven, thank you for leading me gently through my life, keeping me focused on fulfilling your purpose for me. In Jesus' name, Amen. [Celebrate Recovery Daily Devotional by John & Johnny Baker]

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Isaiah 30:21 - Listening To The Still Small Voice.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2025/20250222-1539.html

Proverbs 3:5, 6 - Trust in The LORD ... And Lean Not unto Thine Own Understanding.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2025/20250122-1405.html

Proverbs 1:7 - Knowledge Begins with Respect and Reverence for God.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240302-0821.html

James 1:5 - FINDING WISDOM.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2025/20250210-1408.html

Psalm 25:9 - Thoughtful Living.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220405-0909.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/