For I will not fight against you forever; I will not always be angry. If I were, all people would pass away— all the souls I have made. I was angry, so I punished these greedy people. I withdrew from them, but they kept going on their own stubborn way. I have seen what they do, but I will heal them anyway! I will lead them. I will comfort those who mourn, Isaiah 57:16‭-‬18

How does God show His displeasure with His people? Here under the old covenant He simply draws back His presence. God hopes that in His being distant they will sense how empty and vulnerable they are and run to God. But, we as humans are slow to learn and stubborn rebels by nature. It is God who is merciful and heals and leads them anyway. They are His children and He will not let them go.

Now fast forward to today. We have a new covenant and the presence of God is within us. God promises never to leave or forsake us. Can we still feel distant from God though He is constantly with us? Of course, we can turn from God and ignore Him in our thoughts and decisions. We choose our way without consulting the God we call Lord and the Great Shepherd who is supposed to be leading us.

Life is tough. It is especially tough for those who know God but ignore Him. The tension in trying to please God and fulfill our own needs becomes frustrating and futile.

What is the answer? Humble submission and trust in our loving Savior who heals, leads and comforts us. The last verse of the old hymn, Blessed Assurance captures this idea well.

Perfect submission, all is at rest,

I in my Savior am happy and blest;

Watching and waiting, looking above,

Filled with His goodness, lost in His love

This is my story, this is my song

Praising my Savior all the day long