READ-THINK-PRAY-REST: God’s Pathway to Peaceনমুনা

If I had to name a guilty pleasure, it would be binge watching cooking shows. That culinary community is like another world with language all its own. I’m learning exotic words like amuse-bouch and charcuteri, confit and coulie, or my favorite-- pate a choux pastry. What does all of this have to do with experiencing peace in God's presence? 

When God wants to show us what he is like or how he wants to relate to us in Scripture, he often uses word-pictures we can grasp. One he seems to use a lot is that of eating and drinking. Over and over, God entices us to come to him, comparing being in his presence to enjoying a sumptuous banquet, dining on choice foods and imbibing fine wine or refreshing spring waters that will satisfy our souls. 

So often we feel anxious about our relationship to God because our weaknesses are so glaring. We’re embarrassed by our flaws and discouraged at our failures. But the beautiful thing is that we don’t have to pay for the privilege of eating at God’s table. As the prophet Isaiah shows us in today’s reading, we come as we are, with nothing in hand but hunger or thirst. 

Read: Sit quietly and read the passage from beginning to end without stopping. When you finish, read it one more time, asking God to open the eyes of your heart as you meet him here today.

Think: What are the qualifications for coming to God here? What question does the prophet ask, and why? What promises does God offer in this passage? What words are used to describe God? How does he want to relate to you? 

Pray: As you ponder these verses and what you’ve seen so far, ask God two simple questions: Lord, what are you inviting me to understand from this for my life today? Wait on him, and once you think you’ve heard something, ask this: Lord, how do you want me to respond to this today?

Rest: Sit quietly for a couple of minutes or more in God’s presence. Breathe deeply throughout, offering this prayer whenever your mind wanders: Feed me Lord, quench my thirsty soul. When your time is up, thank God for meeting you in His Word.