Evening Scripture

Isaiah, Chapter 64

Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains would tremble before you! As when fire sets twigs ablaze and causes water to boil, come down to make your name known to your enemies and cause the nations to quake before you! For when you did awesome things that we did not expect, you came down, and the mountains trembled before you.

Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember your ways. But when we continued to sin against them, you were angry. How then can we be saved?

All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. No one calls on your name or strives to lay hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us and have given us over to our sins.

Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Do not be angry beyond measure, LORD; do not remember our sins forever. Oh, look on us, we pray, for we are all your people.

Your sacred cities have become a wasteland; even Zion is a wasteland, Jerusalem a desolation. Our holy and glorious temple, where our ancestors praised you, has been burned with fire, and all that we treasured lies in ruins. After all this, LORD, will you hold yourself back? Will you keep silent and punish us beyond measure?

Evening Reflection

Some of the hardest-fought seasons of our faith are marked by waiting. Waiting on God to move often looks like us being still before Him. It can feel like a time of stagnation. Which, if you’re like me, is entirely uncomfortable.

When we’re asked to “wait,” it feels like a consequence. But when we unpack Scripture, we see that while waiting can happen for that reason, many times it’s to grow the faith and reverence of those who are being asked to wait.

In Isaiah 64, we see a cry and a petition for the Lord to come down and make things right. He literally begs God for His aid. What began as complaining quickly turns to petition. His heart posture shifts from one of utter frustration to that of a reverent follower who wants what God wants for his people.

In verses 8-9, Isaiah pens, “But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. Be not so terribly angry, O Lord, and remember not iniquity forever. Behold, please look, we are all your people.” He writes here that he fully understands we do not deserve the Lord's grace and quick response, but we also serve a God who will meet us as He sees fit.

What is it that you are waiting for — a fresh hope, complete joy, healing, or redemption? Whatever it is, you are not alone. All believers find themselves in this place on the journey with Jesus, and I pray we all remember the Holy Spirit is with us in the waiting.

He is interceding for you when you have no more words to say; He will wash peace over you as you wait. Keep your eyes and heart fixed on the Lord. Trust Him in the waiting, knowing that He is with you.

Evening Prayer

Lord,

Will you be tangibly present as I wait? Some days, it's hard to hold fast to what I know is true when it feels like you’re silent. I pray for fresh hope, new joy, and an assurance that the Holy Spirit is leading me.

In areas where I’ve become complacent on this journey, would you shake me up? Remind me that your view is perfect, you know the perfect timing, and your plan will always be better than mine — even when it feels hard or painful. Please draw my heart near and wash me with your peace.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Evening Scripture
Isaiah, Chapter 64
Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains would tremble before you! As when fire sets twigs ablaze and causes water to boil, come down to make your name known to your enemies and cause the nations to quake before you! For when you did awesome things that we did not expect, you came down, and the mountains trembled before you.
Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember your ways. But when we continued to sin against them, you were angry. How then can we be saved?
All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. No one calls on your name or strives to lay hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us and have given us over to our sins.
Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Do not be angry beyond measure, LORD; do not remember our sins forever. Oh, look on us, we pray, for we are all your people.
Your sacred cities have become a wasteland; even Zion is a wasteland, Jerusalem a desolation. Our holy and glorious temple, where our ancestors praised you, has been burned with fire, and all that we treasured lies in ruins. After all this, LORD, will you hold yourself back? Will you keep silent and punish us beyond measure?
Evening Reflection
Some of the hardest-fought seasons of our faith are marked by waiting. Waiting on God to move often looks like us being still before Him. It can feel like a time of stagnation. Which, if you&rsquo;re like me, is entirely uncomfortable.
When we&rsquo;re asked to &ldquo;wait,&rdquo; it feels like a consequence. But when we unpack Scripture, we see that while waiting can happen for that reason, many times it&rsquo;s to grow the faith and reverence of those who are being asked to wait.
In <a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/isaiah/64.html">Isaiah 64</a>, we see a cry and a petition for the Lord to come down and make things right. He literally begs God for His aid. What began as complaining quickly turns to petition. His heart posture shifts from one of utter frustration to that of a reverent follower who wants what God wants for his people.
In verses 8-9, Isaiah pens, &ldquo;But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. Be not so terribly angry, O Lord, and remember not iniquity forever. Behold, please look, we are all your people.&rdquo;&nbsp;He writes here that he fully understands we do not deserve the Lord's grace and quick response, but we also serve a God who will meet us as He sees fit.
What is it that you are waiting for &mdash; a fresh hope, complete joy, healing, or redemption? Whatever it is, you are not alone. All believers find themselves in this place on the journey with Jesus, and I pray we all remember the Holy Spirit is with us in the waiting.
He is interceding for you when you have no more words to say; He will wash peace over you as you wait. Keep your eyes and heart fixed on the Lord. Trust Him in the waiting, knowing that He is with you.
Evening Prayer
Lord,
Will you be tangibly present as I wait? Some days, it's hard to hold fast to what I know is true when it feels like you&rsquo;re silent. I pray for fresh hope, new joy, and an assurance that the Holy Spirit is leading me.
In areas where I&rsquo;ve become complacent on this journey, would you shake me up? Remind me that your view is perfect, you know the perfect timing, and your plan will always be better than mine &mdash; even when it feels hard or painful. Please draw my heart near and wash me with your peace.
In Jesus&rsquo; name,
Amen.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION&reg;. NIV&reg;. Copyright &copy; 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by <a href="https://www.biblica.com/">Biblica</a>. All rights reserved worldwide.
Want More?
Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/</a>&nbsp;
Click to Listen to Signs of Life: <a href="https://www.umnews.org/en/news/um-news-podcast-season-one">UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org</a>
Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was&mdash;and is&mdash;an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.
<a href="https://www.umnews.org/en/news/um-news-podcast-season-one">UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org</a>

Your Nightly Scripture — 365-Day Bible Reading Plan for Peaceful Sleep is a calming, Scripture-centered devotional podcast designed to help you end each day with God’s Word. Brought to you by BibleStudyTools.com, this 5-day-a-week Bible reading plan features carefully selected passages from across the Bible, paired with slow, reflective devotionals and gentle evening prayers.

Perfect for bedtime listening, each episode is read at a peaceful pace with natural pauses to create a quiet, meditative experience that helps you rest, reflect, and draw closer to God. From Psalms and Proverbs to the Gospels and beyond, this year-long journey includes special Easter and Christmas readings, guiding you through the story of Scripture with hope, peace, and spiritual renewal.

Want more prayers and practical spiritual tips each week? We're excited to introduce The Good Word, a new way to receive weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement right in your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/ 

Your Nightly Scripture &mdash; 365-Day Bible Reading Plan for Peaceful Sleep is a calming, Scripture-centered devotional podcast designed to help you end each day with God&rsquo;s Word. Brought to you by BibleStudyTools.com, this 5-day-a-week Bible reading plan features carefully selected passages from across the Bible, paired with slow, reflective devotionals and gentle evening prayers.
Perfect for bedtime listening, each episode is read at a peaceful pace with natural pauses to create a quiet, meditative experience that helps you rest, reflect, and draw closer to God. From Psalms and Proverbs to the Gospels and beyond, this year-long journey includes special Easter and Christmas readings, guiding you through the story of Scripture with hope, peace, and spiritual renewal.
Want more prayers and practical spiritual tips each week? We're excited to introduce The Good Word, a new way to receive weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement right in your inbox. Join our community today:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/</a>&nbsp;

Your Nightly Scripture

Trusting God While I Wait for Him to Move (Isaiah 64)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/54016748-9959-4054-a0d5-b4f7012dca3d/transcript