Isaiah 25:1 AMP
[1] O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will praise and give thanks to Your name; For You have done miraculous things, Plans formed long, long ago, [fulfilled] with perfect faithfulness.
You do not usually associate Isaiah with songs of praise, like David. The prophet Isaiah was known for pronouncements of God's judgment as well as mercy in equal measure, and he delivered his assignments as he had been commissioned to do. Just before the verse above, we read of God's coming judgment on the earth and all its inhabitants, and no one will escape. If you have had any personal encounter with God, you know that you cannot take some of his words as truth when it is so convenient, and then reject the others when they do not support a narrative that suits you. His Word is Truth, irrespective of generation or dispensation. He cannot lie, because, by His nature, it is impossible for the Truth to become a lie. He stakes His name and reputation on being true and dependable
Long after this present heaven and earth have ceased to exist, and a new heaven and earth are in place as promised, God will continue to be God. Is there anything in my past that makes it hard for me to trust God? Check out His own past, and receive the grace to know that He is able and capable to change the story and give a fresh start. It is not a wonder, then, that Isaiah finds the words to praise God for who He is, what He is doing, and the amazing plans He has ahead. He starts by acknowledging who God is. It is this personal touch that gladdens the heart of God, and it has to be the foundation of my own relationship with God. How do I praise a God who I do not even acknowledge as God in my life? How do I know how to worship a God that I have not submitted to, or whose authority my life continues to deny by my daily choices and activities?
Isaiah had seen the glory of God in the temple; he had been purified with coals taken from the altar, and he had been commissioned for service. He had seen God move in amazing ways, so he had no issue praising this God he had seen and experienced. I ask God also for a very personal encounter with Him, as this is the only way to ensure that my life's output matches my inner conviction. I consider my past, and I know that whatever is working in my present is as a result of the mercy and grace of God. I also know that the future is secure, simply because it is shaped by the One with the power to define and detrmine eternity. It has nothing to do with possession, power or position. I just praise you Lord, because you are worthy. God's time of favour is here.
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