There Is Always Hope
Scripture
“Seek the Lord while you can find him.
Call on him now while he is near.
Let the wicked change their ways
and banish the very thought of doing wrong.
Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them.
Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.”
Isaiah 55:6–7 (NLT)
Isaiah reminds us of something we easily forget. God is near. He is not distant or hiding. He is the God who is here, ready to reveal Himself to anyone who will seek Him. Jesus said the same thing: “Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7). God is not reluctant. He is simply waiting for us to turn toward Him with open hearts.
So Isaiah urges us to call on Him now. In times of confusion, fear, or need, run to the One who is always listening. He is closer than we realize, and He delights in drawing near to those who draw near to Him. And here’s the beautiful part. Even the desire to seek Him is a gift from Him.
“We pursue God because, and only because, He has first put an urge within us that spurs us to the pursuit.”¹
A.W. Tozer
God Himself stirs the longing to seek Him, and He meets us as we take those steps. And Isaiah reminds us that God is patiently waiting for those who have not yet turned to Him. His invitation is wide open. Let the wicked change their ways. Let them turn to the Lord. Why? Because He longs to show mercy. He forgives generously, fully, and freely. That is who He is. It’s the same mercy He has extended to us, and it’s the same mercy He wants to pour out on anyone who will come to Him.
So don’t give up praying for the people you love. No one is too far gone for the Lord to reach. If He can stir a longing for Himself in your heart, He can do it in theirs too. Keep seeking Him for yourself, and keep believing for those who have yet to come. As long as the door of grace is open, there is hope, so keep knocking and keep praying.
Reflection
- What area of your life is God inviting you to seek Him more intentionally today?
- When have you experienced His nearness in a time of need?
- Who should you continue praying for, trusting that God’s mercy is still pursuing them?
Prayer
Ask the Lord to draw your heart toward Him and to make you more aware of His nearness. Pray for those who have not yet turned to Him, trusting in His mercy and His generous forgiveness.
Footnote
¹ A.W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God (Harrisburg, PA: Christian Publications, 1948), Chapter 1, “Following Hard after God.”
