School Supplies

In Isaiah 47, God unleashes his anger towards the Babylonians.

"Now then, listen, you wanton creature, lounging in your security and saying to yourself, 'I am, and there is none besides me. I will never be a widow or suffer the loss of children.' Both of these will overtake you in a moment, on a single day: loss of children and widowhood."

(He is speaking metaphorically, against those who organize against Him, but He has touched on my greatest fear. I suppose this is a universal greatest fear, but still. God points out my greatest fear.)

The BSF questions ask, "In what ways are you guilty of the same thoughts or attitudes?" In what ways am I lounging in my security, feeling impervious to calamity? In what ways do I say, "I am, and there is none besides me"? The answer is: every time I forget that God exists, and live like it's just me. Isabel's teacher requested school supplies for kids at a poor school. I meant to pick some up and never did. This is an example of me living like it's just me. But an opportunity like that involves God, too.

God then says, "You have trusted in your wickedness and have said, 'No one sees me.' Your wisdom and knowledge mislead you when you say to yourself, 'I am, and there is none besides me.'"

He is silent and invisible. I can't see or even sense Him, but that doesn't mean He isn't there, or that He doesn't see me. Oh, how I struggle with this. Bill Maher pops into my head, snarling, "He's silent and invisible because HE ISN'T THERE." On the other hand, my bible sits here, open before me, and it does wield power. Millions of souls have read it, sought counsel from it. But I need more than just that knowledge to believe, because millions of souls are also led astray by a million other religions and philosophies.

In order to believe, I need to personally experience God. To read what He's saying and watch how it applies to me and unfolds in my life. What is He saying today?

"Your wisdom and knowledge mislead you when you say to yourself, 'I am, and there is none besides me.'"

This is good news. I want Him to exist. I long for Him to be right here with me, to watch over me.

Lord, I'm sorry I didn't buy the school supplies. It wasn't a priority for me. And then I wonder why my life feels banal. I want to know that You're with me, and I can't do that unless I act on my belief.


I pray for Sara, who is about to turn 35. I pray that You would keep her from despair. I pray that You would make me a better sister to her.


In Your son's name I pray.
Amen