“Come now, let us settle the matter,”
says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.
If you are willing and obedient,
you will eat the good things of the land;
but if you resist and rebel,
you will be devoured by the sword.”
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
Isaiah 1:18-20
The willing and obedient
shall eat the good of the land
whether men or nations,
God’s word shall ever stand.
Why choose to learn the hard way,
and forfeit what is best?
Why live in constant turmoil?
Your option is sweet rest.
Oh, yes, life has its sorrows
and disappointments, too,
but God has ways of turning
them into good for you.
Your life with His approval
can know real joy and peace;
from fear, oppression, worry,
you can obtain release.
Avoid the vexing puzzle
where you’re daily asking, “Why?”
Not finding real answers
until the day you die.
To be informed and ready
to move at God’s command,
will give you calm assurance—
things won’t get out of hand.
“Praise God from whom all blessings”—
now, don’t just sing that song;
learn early to believe it,
for life that’s rich and long.
The key words, then, are “willing”
and next, “obedient”
to gain real satisfaction
and know a life well spent.
fpn / June 1982
Picture: depositphotos.com #50422709, standard license
