Where Do You Look?

In that day you looked to the weapons of the House of the Forest, and you saw that the breaches of the city of David were many. You collected the waters of the lower pool, and you counted the houses of Jerusalem, and you broke down the houses to fortify the wall. You made a reservoir between the two walls for the water of the old pool. But you did not look to him who did it, or see him who planned it long ago. 
Isaiah 22:8b-11   


In the passage above, God's people were facing the enemy. As the enemy drew near, as hardships mounted, they did what seemed wise and strategic from the worlds perspective: They, on their own power and wisdom worked hard to defend against the enemy. We often do the very same thing. In other words, when hardship begins to loom on the horizon of life, we often start by desperately taking inventory of what we can, in our own power, throw at it. Why do we  so often do this? I would humbly submit that it is because of our fleshly desire to be our own god. We have a fierce desire to build our own kingdoms. As a result, whenever our own kingdoms we have worked so hard to build face a threat, it becomes a threat to our very identity. What do I mean? Isaiah, in chapter 17 said, "You have forgotten the God of your salvation, and have not remembered the Rock of your refuge." Meaning, God was no longer the center of their lives. He was no longer what their identity was hidden in. They pursued their own kingdom, not God's kingdom. They, with their own efforts, built their own lives around things that never mattered. In light of their rebellion, as the kingdom they created came tumbling down, the first thing they did was to desperately try and preserve it. In the midst of all their effort, and strategic planning, and fortifying, the heart of our glorious Father is heard. "But you did not look to him who did it, or see him planned it long ago." How often do I hear those words from the Lord? The words from a Father who's heart is breaking for His children who He longs to come through for. You see, our Father wants you and I, in the midst of the attack from the enemy, or hardships of life, to not first desperately try and work up a solution, but instead come to Him first. To cry out to Him. To talk to Him. To be honest about where we are at, and to repent of our forgetful hearts, and confess that we need Him. So for you, where is it you are looking presently? Is it to the author and finisher of your faith. Is it to our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus the Lord? Perhaps you need to pause, and remember the mighty deeds of a wonderful God who's desire is to be your provision, your protection, the God of your salvation, and the Rock of your strength! 


Look to Jesus today!