We make daily and future plans, but a lot of those plans are dreamed up without God’s input. This form of rebellion and stubbornness is celebrated as free choice, freedom, and independence. Listen to His word spoken to Judah through Isaiah: “You make plans that are contrary to mine. You make alliances not directed by my Spirit” (Isaiah 30: 1).

Isaiah continues: “These people are stubborn rebels who refuse to pay attention to the Lord’s instructions. They tell the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” They tell the prophets, “Don’t tell us what is right. Tell us nice things. Tell us lies. Forget all this gloom. Get off your narrow path. Stop telling us about your ‘Holy One of Israel” (vs 9-11).

To be bent on making plans that do not originate from God—plans carried out without His divine prompting and protective covering is a compounded, deliberate intent to sin. However, these life-giving, transformative words follow God’s assessment. 

“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says:

Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved.” 

Isaiah continues: “So, the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help” (vs. 15, 18). When you come to God, you can receive His instruction. “Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you, a voice will say, ‘This is the way you should go, whether to the right or to the left’” (vs. 21).

May we desire to respond to God’s word of instruction with joy. Like King David we can say:

                        I prize your Word—the rarest of treasures

                        is found in your truth.

                        Everything you say is right.

                        Nothing brings my soul such sweetness

                        as seeking your living words.

                        Your Word challenges me to keep close to your heart.

                        Your warnings give me a lifetime guarantee—

                        to follow you is to succeed in life.

                        The light of your Word makes my spirit radiant.

                        Without your light, how could I detect my errors?

                        Identify my stubbornness and rebellion.

                        Keep cleansing me from hidden flaws.

                        Keep me from my secret, selfish sins

                        so they don’t rule over me.

                        God—forgive me!

                        I want my thoughts and words to be consistent

                        with your Word.

                        What my heart believes and what I speak

                        I want to be a delight to you (see Psalm 19:8-14).