Are You Afflicted Today?

O. T. #1664  "Are You Afflicted Today?
April 8, 2020
Isaiah 49-Part 3
Sing, O heavens, and be joyful, O earth, and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted His people, and will have mercy upon His afflicted. (verse 13)

LET IT GLOW

Do you feel like singing today? Or are we grumbling because we are in shut-in inside our homes? Sunday may be the first Easter that we have not gone to worship services, probably in 50 years. My brother in law is a pastor a small church close by, and is planning on having a service outside. His members will remain in cars with windows rolled down, keeping distances between others. It is my hope that my husband and I are able to joy them, singing a couple of songs about our Resurrected Savior. What a way to praise our Risen LORD. I hope you can find a special way to worship, too. If not, join us on Facebook-Centerpoint Baptist Church at 11 am Central time.

Now, look at  verses 9-15. Even though God is speaking to Judah and Israel, as to what will happen after their captivity is over, He is also speaking to the Millennial kingdom reign of Jesus in the future.
In addition to those, we should have a reason to praise Jesus, for He has extended salvation to us Gentiles, as well as Jews.
What can we learn from this passage?

• Heaven and earth, and the church will break into singing songs of praise and thanksgiving and worship of our Redeemer. The whole creation will join with us in songs of joy and redemption.
• Jesus sets prisoners free. Are you bound to worry and fear? Those in darkness will see the Light. Sin puts us in spiritual darkness, but Jesus is our Light.
• The LORD comforts His people. Our sufferings are a little thing compared what sufferings Jesus went through before and while on the cross.
• God will have mercy upon His afflicted. Mercy means to love; to have compassion on; pity. Afflicted refers to depressed, in mind or circumstances; humble; lowly; needy; poor.

Are you depressed because of your circumstances? Jesus is ready to show you mercy, compassion, when we turn to Him. Lay down your problems at His feet. Jesus can take care of them and you, dear one.

LET IT GO

Look at verse 15. Can a mother forget her nursing baby? I, for one, did not. I was sensitive to my baby's needs and knew when it was time to feed or care for the baby. Mothers do not become too preoccupied with other things that she neglects the needs of her child.

Our God is sensitive to the needs of His children in the same way a loving mother does. He anticipates every cry for helps. Even before we can call out in need, God is responding with His answer. (Blackaby)

Isaiah 65:24 says, And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

What a promise! We can have confidence that our Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers, even before we ask Him. In His proper timing God answers.

Now, look at the last of verse 15-Even if a mother forgets her child and does not tend to its needs, our God will not.
GOD WILL NOT FORGET YOU!
Can't get any better than that, folks, can it?

LET IT GO
                              ... of the worries and fears.
                              ... and declare I am a child of God.
                              ... and lay down my afflictions at Jesus' feet, for Him to handle.
                              ... asking for mercy.
Thank You God of Mercy and love for what Your are doing.
We trust You today with our needs.
Please bless everyone who reads this blog with Your mercy and peace and love.
The joy of the Lord is my strength.