Isaiah 31:4a This is what the Lord says to me: “As a lion growls, a great lion over its prey— and though a whole band of shepherds is called together against it, it is not frightened by their shouts or disturbed by their clamor—
I love the analogies present here. Lions and birds are such different animals, but both are fierce and protective. God will protect me like a lion. God will shield me like a bird. Thank You, Jesus.
Isaiah 31:4b …so the Lord Almighty will come down to do battle on Mount Zion and on its heights.
But as I reread yesterday’s reflection in preparation, I noticed the invitation to return to Him. It’s present in today’s reading as well. That’s what He wants—us, stubborn, pig-headed, oblivious creatures that we are. He wants us to return to Him, to turn to Him, to trust in Him for our needs and our protection.
Isaiah 31:5 Like birds hovering overhead, the Lord Almighty will shield Jerusalem; he will shield it and deliver it, he will ‘pass over’ it and will rescue it.”
Lord, You know the struggles of my heart right now. You know that despite the fact that I intellectually *know* all I need to do is lay my burdens at Your feet, I struggle with letting them go, not because I don’t trust You but because I think it makes me more faithful to do it alone, which is untrue. I cannot do this life alone, Lord. I do not want to. Help me to lay these burdens at Your feet. Thank You for loving me enough to keep reminding me, stubborn as I am, to give it all to You. Amen.
Isaiah 31:6 Return, you Israelites, to the One you have so greatly revolted against.
Have a blessed day.