Isaiah 30 - CEVUS06 & GNTD

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Healing, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, is something everyone seeks at some point in life. In times of suffering, pain, or brokenness, the Bible offers comfort, hope, and promises of restoration. God is described as the Great Healer who mends our wounds and brings wholeness to every aspect of our lives. Scripture reminds us of God’s ability to restore not just the body, but also the heart, soul, and mind.

Here are seven Bible verses that speak to God’s healing power and offer encouragement for those in need of restoration.

1. Jeremiah 30:17
“But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord.”

God’s promise in this verse is one of restoration. No matter how deep the wound or how severe the brokenness, God assures His people that He will bring healing. This verse serves as a reminder that nothing is too far gone for God to repair. His desire is to bring health and wholeness to His children, both physically and spiritually.

2. Psalm 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

While physical healing is important, God also tends to the brokenness in our hearts. When we feel crushed by life’s circumstances or overwhelmed by grief, He is near, offering comfort and healing. He binds up the wounds that no one else can see, restoring our inner peace.

3. James 5:14-15
“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up.”

God invites His people to seek healing through prayer and the support of the community of believers. The act of calling on others to pray in faith demonstrates a trust in God’s ability to heal. This scripture reassures us that God hears and responds to prayers offered in faith.

4. Isaiah 53:5
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

Through Christ’s suffering and death, spiritual healing is made possible for all. His wounds bring us salvation, and in that salvation, we find the ultimate healing for our souls. This verse serves as a reminder of the eternal healing that comes through Christ’s sacrifice.

5. Exodus 15:26
“He said, ‘If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.'”

God reveals Himself as “Jehovah Rapha,” meaning “the Lord who heals.” This verse underscores God’s power and desire to bring healing to His people. It is a reminder that God not only heals, but He also protects and preserves His people when they walk in obedience to His word.

6. Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

True healing is found in coming to Him. When life’s burdens become overwhelming, Jesus offers rest and restoration for the soul. His gentleness and compassion bring peace and relief to those who are weary, making Him the source of ultimate healing for our emotional and spiritual struggles.

7. 1 Peter 2:24
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”

Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, we are offered new life, free from the bondage of sin. The healing referred to here is both spiritual and physical, pointing to the completeness of the restoration that Jesus offers.

Conclusion

Healing is a multifaceted process that touches every aspect of our being—our bodies, minds, hearts, and spirits. These verses remind us of God’s deep care and His promise to heal us in every way. Whether we are seeking relief from physical illness, emotional pain, or spiritual brokenness, the Bible assures us that God is the Great Healer, and His power is available to those who seek Him.

Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

Hearing the voice of God is a central theme throughout Scripture. From the gentle whisper to the thunderous proclamation, God’s voice guides, comforts, and instructs His people. Understanding how to hear His voice is crucial for anyone seeking to follow His will. Here are seven Bible verses that highlight the importance of hearing and recognizing God’s voice.

1. John 10:27 – “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

Jesus uses the metaphor of sheep and a shepherd to describe the relationship between Himself and His followers. Just as sheep recognize and respond to the voice of their shepherd, believers are called to recognize and follow the voice of Jesus. Hearing God’s voice is not just about recognition, but also about obedience. When we truly hear Him, we follow where He leads.

2. 1 Kings 19:11-12 – “And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.”

God’s voice is not always found in the loud and dramatic. Instead, He often speaks in a “low whisper” or “still small voice.” Be still and quiet your hearts, creating space to hear the subtle yet profound voice of God. It teaches us that God often communicates in ways that require us to listen carefully and attentively.

3. Isaiah 30:21 – “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.”

God provides guidance, even in the midst of uncertainty. As we navigate life’s decisions, God’s voice directs us, showing us the right path. This promise of divine guidance encourages us to trust that God will speak to us when we need direction, leading us on the path He has set before us.

4. Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

In the busyness and noise of life, it can be challenging to discern God’s voice. However, by intentionally being still and acknowledging His sovereignty, we create an environment where we are more likely to hear Him speak. Stillness allows us to focus on God and tune in to His voice.

5. Hebrews 3:7-8 – “Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, ‘Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness.’”

Hearing God’s voice requires not only listening but also being willing to act on what we hear. A hardened heart can prevent us from fully receiving God’s message and guidance. This verse calls us to be open and responsive to the Holy Spirit’s promptings.

6. Jeremiah 33:3 – “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”

We are encouraged to seek God actively, knowing that He desires to reveal deep and profound truths to us. It emphasizes the relational aspect of hearing God’s voice, where we engage in dialogue with Him, confident that He will respond.

7. Revelation 3:20 – “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”

Jesus stands at the door of our hearts, knocking and speaking. The invitation is clear: if we hear His voice and open the door, He will come in and fellowship with us. This verse highlights the personal and relational aspect of God’s communication, emphasizing that hearing His voice leads to deeper communion with Him.

Conclusion

Hearing the voice of God is a profound and essential part of the Christian life. These verses remind us that God speaks in various ways—sometimes in a whisper, sometimes in guidance, and always with a heart of love. To hear His voice, we must cultivate stillness, maintain a receptive heart, and be willing to respond in faith. As we do, we draw closer to God, following His lead and growing in our relationship with Him.

Don't Expect Help from Egypt

1 This is the Lord's message for his rebellious people:

“You follow your own plans

instead of mine;

you make treaties

without asking me,

and you keep on sinning.

2 You trust Egypt for protection.

So you refuse my advice

and send messengers to Egypt

to beg their king for help.

3 “You will be disappointed,

completely disgraced

for trusting Egypt.

4 The king's power reaches

from the city of Zoan

as far south as Hanes.

5 But Egypt can't protect you,

and to trust that nation

is useless and foolish.”

6 This is a message

about the animals

of the Southern Desert:

“You people carry treasures

on donkeys and camels.

You travel to a feeble nation

through a troublesome desert

filled with lions

and flying fiery dragons.

7 Egypt can't help you!

That's why I call that nation

a helpless monster.”

Israel Refuses To Listen

8 The Lord told me to write down his message for his people, so that it would be there forever. 9 They have turned against the Lord and can't be trusted. They have refused his teaching 10 and have said to his messengers and prophets:

Don't tell us what God has shown you and don't preach the truth. Just say what we want to hear, even if it's false. 11 Stop telling us what God has said! We don't want to hear any more about the holy One of Israel.

12 Now this is the answer

of the holy One of Israel:

“You rejected my message,

and you trust in violence

and lies.

13 This sin is like a crack

that makes a high wall

quickly crumble 14 and shatter

like a crushed bowl.

There's not a piece left

big enough to carry hot coals

or to dip out water.”

Trust the Lord

15 The holy Lord God of Israel

had told all of you,

“I will keep you safe

if you turn back to me

and calm down.

I will make you strong

if you quietly trust me.”

Then you stubbornly 16 said,

“No! We will safely escape

on speedy horses.”

But those who chase you

will be even faster.

17 As few as five of them,

or even one, will be enough

to chase a thousand of you.

Finally, all that will be left

will be a few survivors

as lonely as a flag pole

on a barren hill.

The Lord Will Show Mercy

18 The Lord God is waiting

to show how kind he is

and to have pity on you.

The Lord always does right;

he blesses those who trust him.

Hearing the Voice of God: 7 Bible Verses That Guide Us

19 People of Jerusalem, you don't need to cry anymore. The Lord is kind, and as soon as he hears your cries for help, he will come. 20 The Lord has given you trouble and sorrow as your food and drink. But now you will again see the Lord, your teacher, and he will guide you. 21

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, you will hear a voice saying, “This is the road! Now follow it.” 22 Then you will treat your idols of silver and gold like garbage; you will throw them away like filthy rags.

23 The Lord will send rain to water the seeds you have planted—your fields will produce more crops than you need, and your cattle will graze in open pastures. 24 Even the oxen and donkeys that plow your fields will be fed the finest grain.

25 On that day people will be slaughtered and towers destroyed, but streams of water will flow from high hills and towering mountains. 26 Then the Lord will bandage his people's injuries and heal the wounds he has caused. The moon will shine as bright as the sun, and the sun will shine seven times brighter than usual. It will be like the light of seven days all at once.

Assyria Will Be Punished

27 The Lord is coming

from far away

with his fiery anger

and thick clouds of smoke.

His angry words flame up

like a destructive fire;

28 he breathes out a flood

that comes up to the neck.

He sifts the nations

and destroys them.

Then he puts a bridle

in every foreigner's mouth

and leads them to doom.

29 The Lord's people will sing as they do when they celebrate a religious festival at night. The Lord is Israel's mighty rock, and his people will be as happy as they are when they follow the sound of flutes to the mountain where he is worshiped.

30 The Lord will get furious. His fearsome voice will be heard, his arm will be seen ready to strike, and his anger will be like a destructive fire, followed by thunderstorms and hailstones. 31 When the Assyrians hear the Lord's voice and see him striking with his iron rod, they will be terrified. 32 He will attack them in battle, and each time he strikes them, it will be to the music of tambourines and harps.

33 Long ago the Lord got a place ready for burning the body of the dead king. The place for the fire is deep and wide, the wood is piled high, and the Lord will start the fire by breathing out flaming sulfur.

A Useless Treaty with Egypt

1 The Lord has spoken: “Those who rule Judah are doomed because they rebel against me. They follow plans that I did not make, and sign treaties against my will, piling one sin on another. 2 They go to Egypt for help without asking for my advice. They want Egypt to protect them, so they put their trust in Egypt's king. 3 But the king will be powerless to help them, and Egypt's protection will end in disaster. 4 Although their ambassadors have already arrived at the Egyptian cities of Zoan and Hanes, 5 the people of Judah will regret that they ever trusted that unreliable nation, a nation that fails them when they expect help.”

6 This is God's message about the animals of the southern desert: “The ambassadors travel through dangerous country, where lions live and where there are poisonous snakes and flying dragons. They load their donkeys and camels with expensive gifts for a nation that cannot give them any help. 7 The help that Egypt gives is useless. So I have nicknamed Egypt, ‘The Harmless Dragon.’”

The Disobedient People

8 God told me to write down in a book what the people are like, so that there would be a permanent record of how evil they are. 9 They are always rebelling against God, always lying, always refusing to listen to the Lord's teachings. 10 They tell the prophets to keep quiet. They say, “Don't talk to us about what's right. Tell us what we want to hear. Let us keep our illusions. 11 Get out of our way and stop blocking our path. We don't want to hear about your holy God of Israel.”

12 But this is what the holy God of Israel says: “You ignore what I tell you and rely on violence and deceit. 13 You are guilty. You are like a high wall with a crack running down it; suddenly you will collapse. 14 You will be shattered like a clay pot, so badly broken that there is no piece big enough to pick up hot coals with or to dip water from a cistern.”

15 The Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says to the people, “Come back and quietly trust in me. Then you will be strong and secure.” But you refuse to do it. 16 Instead, you plan to escape from your enemies by riding fast horses. And you are right—escape is what you will have to do! You think your horses are fast enough, but those who pursue you will be faster! 17 A thousand of you will run away when you see one enemy soldier, and five soldiers will be enough to make you all run away. Nothing will be left of your army except a lonely flagpole on the top of a hill. 18 And yet the Lord is waiting to be merciful to you. He is ready to take pity on you because he always does what is right. Happy are those who put their trust in the Lord.

God Will Bless His People

19 You people who live in Jerusalem will not weep any more. The Lord is compassionate, and when you cry to him for help, he will answer you. 20 The Lord will make you go through hard times, but he himself will be there to teach you, and you will not have to search for him any more. 21 If you wander off the road to the right or the left, you will hear his voice behind you saying, “Here is the road. Follow it.” 22 You will take your idols plated with silver and your idols covered with gold, and will throw them away like filth, shouting, “Out of my sight!” 23 Whenever you plant your crops, the Lord will send rain to make them grow and will give you a rich harvest, and your livestock will have plenty of pasture. 24 The oxen and donkeys that plow your fields will eat the finest and best fodder. 25 On the day when the forts of your enemies are captured and their people are killed, streams of water will flow from every mountain and every hill. 26 The moon will be as bright as the sun, and the sun will be seven times brighter than usual, like the light of seven days in one. This will all happen when the Lord bandages and heals the wounds he has given his people.

God Will Punish Assyria

27 The Lord's power and glory can be seen in the distance. Fire and smoke show his anger. He speaks, and his words burn like fire. 28 He sends the wind in front of him like a flood that carries everything away. It sweeps nations to destruction and puts an end to their evil plans. 29 But you, God's people, will be happy and sing as you do on the night of a sacred festival. You will be as happy as those who walk to the music of flutes on their way to the Temple of the Lord, the defender of Israel.

30 The Lord will let everyone hear his majestic voice and feel the force of his anger. There will be flames, cloudbursts, hailstones, and torrents of rain. 31 The Assyrians will be terrified when they hear the Lord's voice and feel the force of his punishment. 32 As the Lord strikes them again and again, his people will keep time with the music of drums and harps. God himself will fight against the Assyrians. 33 Long ago a place was prepared where a huge fire will burn the emperor of Assyria. It is deep and wide, and piled high with wood. The Lord will breathe out a stream of flame to set it on fire.