Though the first application of Isaiah 8:9-14a refers to the enemy nations of Israel, the secondary application can be applied to our personal lives. Here we find some necessary steps on how to have God as our sanctuary:
1. When is God everything you need? When you are broken and shattered.
Verse 9 begins, “Raise the war cry, you nations, and be shattered! …be shattered! … be shattered!” The word “shattered” in the NIV is used three times in verse 9. It drives the point home that our arrogance must be shattered. When our self-will is broken, when we’re broken and hurt because of our sin, when we’re bowed before the Lord and our pride is broken – that’s when God becomes our sanctuary.
2. When is God everything you need? When you listen to God’s Word and put it into action in your life.
Verse 9 goes on to say, “Listen, all you distant lands. …” When we “do” what God says in the Scriptures, when we apply it to our lives – that’s when God becomes our sanctuary.
3. When is God everything you need? When you follow His plan for your life.
Verse 10 says, “Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us.” God’s purpose prevails. Discover His plan and go with it. And don’t get ahead of Him. Let Him lead – that’s when God becomes our sanctuary.
4. When is God everything you need? When you respect God as holy in your everyday thinking, talking, relating, and actions.
Verses 12-14a tell us, “… do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread. He will be a holy place;” The Lord is not just a good Friend and Forgiver and Lover of our souls; He is Holy God Who is to be respected and reckoned with. And in so doing we find that He becomes our “holy place”, our “sanctuary” where we are protected, provided for, empowered, and refreshed with His constant presence.
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The word sanctuary lends a sense of peace. Lately I've felt broken and shattered because of some health issues, but even my feelings don't disguise what I know to be true and that is "God will always be everything I need." Every Sunday when I can't wait to go to church and hear Pastor David's message or every morning read my online Bible study...I am reassured in my heart and spirit that "God will be everything I need." Everyday that I read God's word I learn more about my purpose in this world and although I sometimes struggle with seeking God's personal plan for me...I know that "God will be everything I need." There are times when praising God makes my knees weak like a young woman falling in love for the first time. I'm so honored to call God my Father. I know that every time I look to the heavens every fiber of my being is overcome by love and a peace that passes all earthly understanding, and I'm forever reminded that "God is everything I need."
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