When Life Is in Turmoil: 4 Comforting Reminders from Isaiah

Is your life in a state of turmoil? Has a major trial turned your world upside down?

Several months ago, mine was. During that difficult season, I longed for the peace and joy I once had. Looking back, I can see how easily fear, discouragement, and spiritual battles can rob us of stability if we are not clinging tightly to Christ (Jn 10:10a).

Whenever we feel shaken or overwhelmed, the BEST thing we can do is dig into God’s Word. During that season, I found myself re-reading Isaiah—a book that has always brought great comfort to my soul. God especially ministered to me through these verses:

“Remember this, keep it in mind,
take it to heart, you rebels.
Remember the former things, those of long ago;
I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me.
…I say: My purpose will stand,
and I will do all that I please.
From the east I summon a bird of prey;
from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose.
What I have said, that will I bring about;
what I have planned, that will I do.
Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted,
you who are now far from my righteousness.
I am bringing my righteousness near,
it is not far away;
and my salvation will not be delayed.”
(Is 46:8-13)

Here is what the Lord reminded me of during that time:

We Are to Remember

That was not the first time my life had been in commotion, and it likely will not be the last. Yet God had faithfully carried and sustained me before, and He would do it again.

When our hearts are troubled, we must intentionally remember the faithfulness of our unchanging God.

We Are to Know

That He is God and in control—not us.

The phrase “I will do all that I please” (v 10) would be frightening if God were not also holy, righteous, just, merciful, all-wise, good, and loving.

The troublesome circumstances you and I walk through are never outside His sovereign plan. Even when life feels confusing, God is still accomplishing His good and perfect purposes (Rom 8:28; Jer 29:11).

God uses whatever and whoever He sees fit to accomplish those purposes (v 11). We may not like the “whatever” or “whoever” right now, but one day we will fully understand that He was working wisely all along.

God sees the whole picture. We only see a tiny piece that often makes little sense to us.

We Are to Believe

We need not only to know what the Bible says about God’s character, but to truly believe it. God is who He says He is.

We Are to Trust

If we genuinely believe Him, we will act on that belief and step forward in faith.

That does not necessarily mean our circumstances immediately change, but it does mean our souls can rest in the midst of them. As we surrender ourselves to the Lord, peace and joy begin to return.

“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Ps 46:10)

My friend, let us listen to God. Let us not be stubborn-hearted (v 12). He is bringing His righteousness near, and His salvation will not be delayed (v 13).

God’s righteousness is near—here in Christ. You and I do not have to respond in fear or rebellion when life becomes difficult. Through Christ, we can respond in a godly way, no matter what we are facing (2 Pet 1:3).

Would you join me in this prayer?

Please help me, dear Jesus, my Righteousness and Rescuer. Save me from myself—my fearful, sinful heart—so that Your splendor will be revealed in me, even in troublesome times.

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