The world has a propensity to divert us to settle for less than God’s best for our lives.  The nation of Israel faced this problem and we face it today.  It’s basically a problem of idolatry.  Now you may be thinking “I don’t have any little statues of gods in my house so I’m not practicing idolatry.”  The reality is idolatry is anything in our lives that we value more than God.

The sad truth is many people have idols – our idols may be more sophisticated today but we are just as guilty as the nation of Israel.  The good news is that the remedy God gave to the Israelites is just as relevant today as when Isaiah delivered his message over 2500 years ago. 

How can we change our focus from the idols of the world to God?  In chapter 44 of the book of Isaiah he warns Israel of false gods.  His advice is to remember who God is and what He thinks about you.

Remember these things, O Jacob, And Israel, for you are My servant; I have formed you, you are My servant, O Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me.  (Isaiah 44:21)

He is calling the people to remember His covenant relationship with them.  God is their creator and He will not forget them nor will He forsake them.  Next, he encourages the reader to return to Him,

I have wiped out your transgressions like a thick cloud and your sins like a heavy mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.  (Isaiah 44:22)

We may think that we’ve blown it, but God is always ready to receive a repentant heart.  What a beautiful picture that He has wiped away our transgressions like a thick cloud.  Early Saturday morning the sky was gray and grew dark as a storm approached.  Several hours later the clouds blew away and blue sky and sunshine filled the sky – that’s what God does in our lives as we come to Him. 

There is nothing you have done that is too big for God to take you back.  Just as a parent loves a wayward child, God welcomes back His repentant children.  The word “redeem” conveys the idea of freeing someone from bondage or even death.  When I understand the implications that God has redeemed me that leads to rejoicing,

Shout for joy, O heavens, for the LORD has done it! Shout joyfully, you lower parts of the earth; Break forth into a shout of joy, you mountains, O forest, and every tree in it; For the LORD has redeemed Jacob and in Israel He shows forth His glory.  (Isaiah 44:23)

Don’t be satisfied with mere shadows when God offers you the substance – Himself!  Remember His great love for you, return to Him, and experience His joy in your life!