We Think We Know What’s Best

This is what the Lord says—
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
“I am the Lord your God,
who teaches you what is best for you,
who directs you in the way you should go.
Isaiah 48:17

Does this verse kind of smack you in the face, or was it just me?

First God reminds us who He is. In case you forgot, He paid the price to buy you back from the enemy. He paid the ransom with His own blood.

I love the word Redeemer. It reminds me of coupons. I know that sounds strange, but hear me out! We redeem coupons. If you look on the bottom, most have a cash value in the fine print. If you’d like the company to buy the coupon back, they will. The cash value is generally 1/100 of a cent or less. But when you use the coupon as they meant it to be used, you redeem it for it’s full value. The coupon’s full worth is realized when you turn it in at the store to get money back for your purchase. You’ve redeemed it. Until you redeem it, it’s worthless. I create coupons for my books all the time. They’re digital. Until someone redeems it by putting the coupon code in the box at checkout, it has no value. But when you redeem it, it becomes valuable.

We’re the same –until we’re redeemed we’re worthless. Our Redeemer makes us valuable. He reveals our true worth.

Then, this verse from Isaiah reminds me Yahweh is Holy. He’s perfect and set apart. If you’ve read much scripture, the words “Be Holy because I am Holy” ring when you read it. So, now I feel called out because I’ve had many less than holy moments lately.

After we’ve been reminded of who God is, the verse goes on to help us see our foolishness. He teaches us what is best for us. He tells us which way we should go.” How often do you think you know what’s best for you? I can’t count the number of times I’ve forged ahead with a project or idea and neglected bringing the notion to God first.

Many humans think they know what’s best for us. Parents try, and bless our hearts, we got it right as often as we got it wrong. A great doctor will give “what’s best for us” advice from time to time. Friends have suggestions. Teachers make recommendations. And while all of those may be helpful, there’s no way to know if they’re correct. Only God has the guaranteed best for us outcome. Our Redeemer alone knows exactly which path will give us success and a joy-filled abundant life.

So, if you’ve said, “I know what’s best for me,” or embarked on a new lifepath, this verse might be giving you a shout out this week too. Turn to your heavenly Father. He knows and He just waits for us to ask His Holy opinion.

For more devotions check out
“Devotions for Church Leaders and Small Groups“
or one of the other devotion books you’ll find in my store

And stop back soon to catch another here!

I’m releasing my first novel on August 30
I’ll be giving away several books that day
But I’m also giving books away before August 30!
I have hidden links around the internet
and you’ve stumbled upon one!
You may download an Advanced Reader Copy of
Adira: Journey to Freedom
HERE!!

After you read it, help me out and leave a review on Goodreads