Today's Scripture:
Isaiah 57:13-21; 66:1-2

Key Verse:
Isaiah 57:15

"For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."

The Point:

A Thriving Heart is Contrite Before a Holy God

A thriving heart bows low before the holiness of God. True life, revival, and joy begin not with self-confidence but with surrender and a contrite spirit that confesses sin, trembles at God's Word, and finds its hope in His mercy. (Isaiah 66:1-2)

God identifies Himself as "high and lofty... inhabiting eternity." This is a reminder that He is infinitely above us. (Isaiah 57:15 quoted above) Yet this same Holy One draws near to those who come with a broken and humble spirit. (Psalm 34:8) The paradox is striking: the God of infinite glory is most at home in a heart emptied of pride. (James 4:10)

Contrition is more than feeling sorry. It is the deep recognition that sin is first an offense against a holy God. A contrite heart doesn't excuse sin or hide it; it agrees with God about its seriousness and turns from it. Such humility opens the door to true revival. God promises to "revive the spirit of the humble" and to "look to the one who trembles at His word."

When we try to build our own "house" of worthiness, we miss the real dwelling God desires: a heart that is low before Him. As we daily practice confession and repentance, we experience His nearness and sustaining grace. (Micah 6:8)

Isaiah 66:1-2 "Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word."

Psalm 34:18 "The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."

James 4:10 "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."

Micah 6:8 "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"

Illustration:

On April 30th, 1863, during the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln declared a day of National Humiliation, Fasting, and Prayer. He acknowledged that the nation's blessings had made it "too proud to pray to the God that made us." This historic call to humility helped turn a divided people's attention back to God. Just as Lincoln recognized national pride, we must recognize personal pride and lay it down so that God may revive our hearts.

Study Today's Scripture (Isaiah 57:13-21; 66:1-2) and answer these Reflection Questions:

1. Pride and self-sufficiency can be difficult to detect in our own hearts. When was the last time you earnestly asked God to search your heart and reveal pride and self-sufficiency? If God's presence seems fleeting or out of focus, that would be a warning sign!
2. When was the last time I truly trembled at God's Word?
3. What step of repentance or obedience is God asking of me today? Do I have the honesty and courage to take that step or do I perceive the cost is too high?