A Daily Devotion for Thursday, March 12

Isaiah 30:19-22

People of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Then you will desecrate your idols overlaid with silver and your images covered with gold; you will throw them away like a menstrual cloth and say to them, “Away with you! ”

Proverbs 16:9

In their hearts humans plan their course,

but the LORD establishes their steps.

These readings and the devotion from the Upper Room initially reminded me of how often I cry out to God to give me peace. But, as I sat with them for a minute, I realized there is another lesson there for me. “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” How often do I fail to sit quietly with God and listen and wait for direction? Even the little calf in the story today knew to be still and listen after crying out to its mother. This is an important lesson for me.

Holy Lord, help me to remember to listen for you after my crying out. I do notice how I feel, but I am seldom still enough, long enough, to listen for actual direction. I am sorry, Lord. Help me to do better, and to listen. Amen

Becky, transforming