9/21

Isaiah 57:20-21

²⁰But the wicked are like the tossing sea; for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up mire and dirt. ²¹There is no peace,"says my God, "for the wicked."

In the previous verses, God promised to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite. He was promising a time of peace and comfort after His judgments had caused them to face their sins. But some will not learn from His judgments. They continue with rebellious hearts toward God. They can't be still. They are constantly rehashing the past and blaming God for everything they dislike. Indeed, God may have allowed calamity to turn them from their self-destructive ways, but instead of listening, they became even more obstinate. At times, they even imagine getting even with God by harming those who worship Him.

The peace of God's children irritates the wicked. Because it is a reminder that their hearts are in turmoil, they will make excuses for it. They will label peace "stupidity," and call bliss "ignorance," and other such labels. The wicked are to be pitied because of their lack of peace. They can't be quiet and enjoy a moment of silence because conviction will trouble them.

Thank the LORD for the peace and comfort He gives us. When we aren't at peace, we need to be still and search our hearts as to where we have ignored God (Colossians 3:15). God put our eyes on the front of our heads so we would look forward. Forget the past while retaining the lessons and refuse to go back and dig up old mire and dirt. Your spiritual growth and a glorious future are before you.

Remember: You can't change the past. You can have an effect on the future. Look forward!