Scripture Reading: Isaiah 33:1-24, Isaiah 34:1-17, Zechariah 10:6, Romans 5:8-11
These are hard and sobering verses, aren’t they? Today’s chapters round out the sixth of Isaiah’s woes, this one directed at Assyria. We’re witness to Judah’s desperation and God’s detailed promise to ruin a nation that harmed His people.
But what we also see on full display is our Father’s unfailing love. Even after all Judah had done, God spoke hope and redemption for them.
It’s a pattern we know, isn’t it? Beginning all the way back in Genesis, every time His people turned their hearts from God and then cried out in their distress, God was faithful to meet them. They had hit that desperation here—even the warriors, the bravest among them, cried loudly in the streets (Isaiah 33:7). They were broken. Yet Isaiah’s plea for grace from God was paired with a bold declaration of faith that they knew when God would rise up, the nations would scatter (v.3).
Not if, but when.
Their hope in God was still alive. They still feared Him, and that was their treasure (v.6).
This hope, full of a fear and respect for God, opened a new door for God’s people. Here, something changed. God had been so faithful, raising up leaders like Abraham, Moses, and David. He raised up judges and kings and prophets.
And now we read of a different way God will save them. It’s time for a new raising up.
When Isaiah says, “when you rise in your majesty” (v.3), it feels like an invitation for God’s reply just seven verses later. It’s like God says, “Now that you understand you’re out of options, now that you’ve come to your own end, now I will rise up.”
Can you imagine the hope and relief that pulsed through Judah as God pronounced these three “nows”?
Now I will rise up.
Now I will lift myself up.
Now I will be exalted (v.10).
God promised to strengthen, deliver, and restore Judah (Zechariah 10:6). And He would reconcile and save those who trust in Him (Romans 5:8–11). He would restore peace. He promised Jesus our Judge, our Lawgiver, our King (Isaiah 33:22): Jesus, the One who lived righteously, the One who dwells on high, the One who is our daily bread and living water (vv.15–16).
To save His people from their suffering, He has raised Himself. He made a way for all who love Him, for all whose fear of the Lord is their treasure.
Because of the LORD’s faithful love, we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning.
—Lamentations 3:22–23
Written by Marnie Hammar
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116 thoughts on "The Lord Rises Up"
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Thank u Jesus for ur grace and mercy
Thank you LORD, I have come to the end of elf. I now I can’t control my son who is now 19 and growing to the man you have created him to be. I can’t change my husband, I can’t change anyone to what I think they should be
The more I read the Old Testament, the more I am astounded by the gift of Jesus. This people, who couldn’t for the life of them stay faithful for too long, were constantly being brought back into God’s loving embrace. Then, that wasn’t even enough for God. He wanted all of us. All of us. So He sent His Son to die so we all might be rescued. It’s a love even a mother honestly struggles to fathom. Praise God!
After we call on Him in humility and repentance…. NOW! He will rise! HE WILL SAVE US!
‘Lord,be gracious to us! We wait for you. Be our strength every morning and our salvation in time of trouble.’ Isa 33:2 Well, if this just isn’t the cry of our hearts each day.
Thank you Lord that you are our strength, hope, help and that you will save us.
I’ve been away and without internet for a few days but catchinh up tonight. As always, appreciate your insights, sharing and thoughts that help me understand. Praying for all the things on your hearts, SRT sisters. ❤️
“Now that you understand you’re out of options, now that you’ve come to your own end, now I will rise up.” This really spoke to me today.
continued prayer for you Teresa and your daughter.
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Amen
Isaiah 33:2 – Lord be gracious to us! We wait for you. Be our strength every morning and our salvation in times of trouble.
This is what I need right now, strength every morning with all the tasks/decisions that need to be done/made as I care for my brother. It has been a roller coaster, some OK days, some not great days. It is terrible to see his suffering. Loss of health, loss of the family business, loss of his independence, loss of his ability to provide for his girls, loss of his ability to eat “normally”. So many losses and so much heartache. Yet I can see the beauty in the ashes – a closer relationship with our other brothers who were kind of off and doing there own thing and are now showing up at BJs daily, me getting to know my nieces better and be with them in their time of need, other family members who are chipping in to help. We are blessed to not be alone in this. And these are some of the “mercies” I see and try to focus on. If I focus on the suffering, I can get overwhelmed. It’s all about our focus isn’t it? I’m praying for the requests as I read them. Danielle so happy to hear you are doing well! Praise God!
I really can’t imagine Tami how hard this is, but I am glad you chose to see some mercies. May God continue to give you wisdom and fortitude to be His servant and care for your brother and his girls. If you ever need to talk we would love to do a “coffee chat” with you through messenger or zoom, or Google chat. Just give us the word on our FB site. That’s what I want it to be a blessing for. Big HUGS friend.
Thank you Rhonda!
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Another hard read this Monday lol (And Monday is a hard day already). Praise God for another day, praise God for our waking up, being here, learning hard things with one another, such wonderful and wise faithful women of God. If anything Isaiah has taught me, it is that God is to be greatly feared. His wrath is being stored up. But the fools will say in his heart, there is no God, and a fool thinks he can get away with his wicked schemes, that God won’t see or do anything. But He is El Roi. His eyes are to and fro upon the earth. Each person will someday stand before Him and give an account of his or her life (Romans 14:12). There will surely be an individual accountability to GOD. GOD has put an inner knowledge of Him inside each one of us, the knowledge of the Supreme Creator, He made Himself known to the inner consciousness of mankind (Romans 1:19-21). What do we say from here? Other than to give Him all the praises and glory from the bottom of our heart for His goodness and mercies that He spares us, that He grafts us into His household, that the wrath will pass over us, that the love of God is shown through Jesus for us, while we are yet sinners, foolish and ignorant, prideful and distant. Praise God. For from Him are all things, and to Him are all things, He deserves the glory (paraphrased from the song lyrics “Worthy of It All”). Be blessed dear sisters. And be determined to seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness today.
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AMEN!
Amen!!
I echo Laura’s prayers today as well. I needed to hear that his mercies are new every morning. My husband and I are really struggling to communicate well and last night we got in a stupid argued that really upset me. Please pray that we listen more and have a humble heart when talking to each other.
yes, I’m right there with you.
Praying for peace, love, unity for your family. Hugs and love dear sister ❤️
Praying for attentive ears, gentle words and humble hearts ❤️
I’m praying Katarina. I need the same humble heart with my husband!
“….They are new every morning. Thank you Jesus! I am grateful for our God of second chances and more. Sigh…. Speaking of morning, Happy Spring Break to all you who are off this week from school/work. Slept in and slept well. So here I am later then my usual 4:30 am. Lots to catch up on and lots of spring cleaning (NO FUN) to do. Prayers are appreciated since I’m off, I will be visiting the Law Library. I mentioned this a while back. Taking deep breaths here, hoping to get answers.
Yes, His mercies are new every morning!! Even cleaning energies I suppose?! I have a shirt that has this scripture on it! Praying for what you need to do!
Praying dear Mari for your busy week and many tasks.
Dear Mari, praying for peace amidst the busyness ❤️
My favorite verses. “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.””
Lamentations 3:22-24 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/lam.3.22-24.NIV
There is judgment but God is always desiring to restore and reconcile us to him! What a loving Father.
Praying for all!
These devotions have been so good at summarizing all the scripture passages together and focusing on the big picture of it all! May we all make the fear of the Lord our treasure
These Isaiah passages are hard to understand. I am thankful that Zechariah came along… “I will restore them because I have compassion on them, and they will be as though I had never rejected them”. In all the confusion there comes something I can understand.. God’s restoration – to the point that it will be as if I never even needed restoring. Like when the guys were in the fiery furnace, they came out not even smelling like smoke. God can take our filthy rags and make them white as snow. Wow! He can make us so new, there is not even evidence of the junk we once carried. That is some God!!
Love that, Kris! ❤
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I find so much beauty in Isaiah even when I can’t fully understand the passages. And maybe I never will on this side of heaven. Its deep wealth can never be fully understood, any more than the mind of God. But each reading brings us closer—what a treasure! ❤️
I agree, Margaret! One of my favorite books! ❤
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2 Lord,be gracious to us! We wait for you.
Be our strength every morning and our salvation in time of trouble.
For the Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King.
He will save us.
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For those who like to dig into it, NKJV MacArthur Study Bible offers these notes:
Isaiah 34:4- heavens . . . scroll.
Not even the heavens are to escape the effects of God’s wrath. Revelation 6:14 affirms the future fulfillment of this prophecy during Daniel’s 70th week (see 2:19; 13:10).
Isaiah 34:10 –
smoke shall ascend forever.
Revelation forecasts this destiny for final Babylon, the great end-time world empire (Rev. 14:10, 11; 18:18; 19:3).
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Thankful for this promise in Zechariah 6:
For I am the Lord their God,
and I will answer them.
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Off to ponder these verses. May they strengthen our/my resolve to reach out to others in Jesus’ Name. One day, God will tarry no more.
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Love, hugs, and prayers, sisters. ❤
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TERESA DONLEY – Our life group prayed for Amanda last night. Please keep us posted. Prayers for you, too, sister!❤
Sending back hugs, love and prayers ❤️
❤ thank you, Julia!
Cee Gee, thank you so much for your prayers and those of your life group. That brings me so much peace. For some reason, I’m nervous for this procedure tomorrow. And I’m so thankful to know that others are also praying for her. She and I are blessed to have such faithful prayer warriors in her life.
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We thank you God, that we have been sanctified, being sanctified in our Jesus! It is often the point where we have fallen in the pit, or our land is desolate, or we can’t stand anymore….that we realize we are fable and weak in our own strength. I am so glad we have a patient God, wishing that none of us should parish.
In the reading today about the cities/kingdoms that would come to ruin, it can be hard to imagine in our time today. I’m watching a show called Drive Thru History- Act’s to Revelation. It is such a neat mini-series on Prime, where he goes to all the places Paul traveled in Acts and shows them now and what they would have looked like in that time. Some are popular cities today, but with different names, built us differently, but the ruins still saved. Others cites/kingdoms are completely gone only with partial foundations or none at all. It really brings to light how these passages we read today foretold the rise and fall. And then to see that God’s Israel still remains today, the little country God called His own. That scripture says it will be a nation with all eyes on it in the end, before Jesus comes. A nation again (1948). It has been attacked over and over through the centuries, yet remains. Jesus will come back as a mighty lion this time, fierce and righteous, bringing his people with Him! We get to be a part of it with him! Let’s be strong and courageous as the world is upside down now. We are set apart, God’s people that have Jesus as their Savior! Justified and sanctified, His bride. Lord let me keep that perspective in this hard, challenging walk. You guide my path, with new mercies every day! Bless you Lord, keep me in your perfect will.
Thank you for sharing about the show/documentary. I am very interested in history and would love to check that out. Imagine the faithfulness and resilience of Paul back in the day, going into nations to preach the gospel.
Yes, it’s pretty neat to watch! We had watched The Gospel one of Jesus’ time, which is really good too! Maybe watch that one first?!
The fear of the Lord IS my treasure!!
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Amen
His mercies are new every morning!!! So thankful
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Amen! He fulfills our hunger and thirst in Himself. He is everything, all we need!
Great is God’s faithfulness!
Oh Amen! Rise Up Lord! In my life and in our world show Your mighty strength and mercy. In Jesus name, Amen
Amen ❤️
This phrase from the devo ‘Not if, but when’ – we know the truth of this, don’t we? Praying the lost will come to know the truth, soon, that Christ died for each of us and when He comes back, He will gather us home. When, not if.
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Isaiah 33:15 answers the questions from v 14, who among us?
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15 He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly,
He who despises the gain of oppressions,
Who gestures with his hands, refusing bribes,
Who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed,
And shuts his eyes from seeing evil:
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The last 2 lines brought to mind the importance of being careful of what I see and hear. I learned from my own past that being careless in this allows compromise in & draws me away from God. Decades ago, my first husband and I went to dinner and a movie with a couple from church that we sort of knew – getting to know each other. I don’t remember where we ate but they didn’t like the food so there was that tension, and about 15 minutes after the movie started they walked out. In truth, we should have too as the language was awful … but we stayed because it had a ‘good’ plot. This wasn’t the first or last act act of compromise and I look back in shame that I justified sitting there with that weak excuse. It was a long journey back, and I am so thankful for the Lord’s faithfulness and patience with me.
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Did I realize my need for a Savior before hitting my lowest? Sadly, not really. I had heard the words in church every week, alongside mixed messages and mixed behavior. Thankfully, He saved me from worse and from myself, showing me truth and guidance in His words. Thank you, Lord.
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Prayers please for wisdom and patience for 2 expected business meetings this week – I’m caught in the middle and both will be controversial – one is today and maybe both. It turns my stomach to think about them, my heart is pounding and my hands are shaking as I’m typing now. Thank you, sisters.
Oh, Searching, take heart. The Lord of Hosts is with you. His mighty Spirit is IN you. May you be overwhelmed with His peace.
Praying ♥️
It’s so easy to compromise. To give leeway to things we know we shouldn’t be watching, reading or participating in. Thankful the closer we get to Jesus the more the Holy Spirit convicts us, but it does take diligence on our part, and making choices. Prayers for peace, that God will be right with you to calm you Searching.
Praying for you now!
Oh, Searching! First, let me say you have probably voiced the testimony of a lot of sisters in this post. Compromise – sometimes a road to harmony a good thing; often times the path to disharmony for our walk with the Lord. Discernment is so necessary! Thank you for sharing your heart and leaving us with that reminder!
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Second- I hate that you are being squeezed like this! You will be in my prayers and on my heart throughout the day/week until this issue is resolved! Agreeing with Kelly! You have called on Him and like today’s verses say: He will rise up! He will meet you in your crucial time of need. Remember the verse we know so well!
2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
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Shine, Searching; shine His light! ❤
Praying that God takes your anxious, palpitating heart and exchanges it for one of peace and calm, that He will give you wisdom and gentleness and that He meets you right smack dab in the middle of the uncomfortable ((hugs))
❤ smack dab in the middle! Amen, sis!☺
Praying for God’s wisdom, patience, and perfect peace to wash over you this week ❤️
Praying for you this morning! That God would provide an overwhelming peace and comfort to you and wisdom as you go into these meetings. You got this!
Praying, Searching, for God’s wisdom, discernment, and patience during your meetings.
Praying for you, Searching!
It is such a privilege to pray for you and with you, dear sister! Praying that God will give you His peace during this storm! ❤️
Praying for your meetings! And yes, we have comprised when we should have walked out. We talked about it afterwards, asked the Lords forgiveness and learned from our mistake. So thankful for the Lords mercies that are new every morning!
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Praying dear sister ❤️ that the Lord will go with you into the meetings and give you favors for the outcome. May His will be done, that you be granted wisdom, peace, authority and much much grace. Deep breaths. Hugs and love.
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Praying for peace, discernment and steadfastness in God and His Word ❤️
I’m praying by now that these meeting have passed and that you sailed through in perfect peace!
Searching. I’m praying for peace in these business situations, and for God’s guidance I’m also thankful for your testimony about earlier in your life, and being careful of what we see and hear. You’ve given me food for thought in an area of my life God has been speaking to me about.
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Ladies, you’ve all journeyed with me these last many months of various storms with God. I thank for all your prayers and encouragement!
I sit here this morning a week post surgery humbled by the relentless love and pursuit of God who has been in it all. While I can attest to how hard that season has been, I also now am able to be in place of peace whose only source is our God. May God bring encouragement to you today right where you need it! Love to you all sweet Shes! ❤️
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♥️ Praising God with you!
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Hugs back to you, Danielle. Your testimony is such an encouragement! Praise the Lord for what He has done! ❤
Continued prayers for you, sweet sister! ❤️
Thank you Danielle for your testimony!
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Thank you, Danielle, for your encouragement and update. Continued prayers ❤️
Danielle, what a beautiful testimony. God truly is the only source of our peace. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
Praise the Lord for His hand upon, His faithful work in your life, and your testimony to give honor to Him, Danielle✝️
I love reading how the LORD knows our hearts and our deepest longings. Isaiah 33:20-24 tells us of His intent to tend to our longing for peace, stability, belonging, a home with Him, justice, safety, provision, health, and forgiveness of sin.
What a gift it is to be so intimately known and treasured by our God who redeems.
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It’s like God says, “Now that you understand you’re out of options, now that you’ve come to your own end, now I will rise up.” Yes, Lord. This is what I pray for my unsaved family members. They are running from you OR they are trying to do it all themselves. I pray that they get to the end of themselves soon and realize they need a Savior. My heart breaks for the lost years of rebellion and denial. They are floundering and trying to make it work, but there is always something missing. May they realize that they are missing YOU who will forgive them, give them purpose and direction and unfailing love.
Amen, Laura.
Joining you in prayer Laura for our loved ones and others where seeds have been planted. May they turn to Him as He rises, lifts Himself up, and is exalted. He will strengthen, deliver, and restore (Zechariah 10:6) because He is a loving God who always provided the way through His son!
Amen when you get to the bottom of trying on your own, God moves. The lesson is Give Gid room!
Agreeing with your prayers, Laura… for all of our prodigals… But God!! ♥️
Hey Laura, I have missed your posts and updates on your family!
Agreeing with your prayers. It breaks my heart to see my loved ones lost.
Amen. Praying with you for lost loved ones!
Amen!!
Thank you Laura ♥️
Amen, Laura ❤️
Amen❤️
Isa. 33:2
“Lord, be gracious to us! We wait for you.
Be our strength every morning
and our salvation in time of trouble.”
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Eyes up, arm raised in surrender, may You, Lord, be glorified in me today.
Joining you in this prayer, Kelly.
Amen, Kelly! ❤
Amen ❤️
Amen❤️
Morning my dears!
Running a tad late this morning as I had a family emergency.. All good ..
Will try and get back this evening after work..
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Happy Monday!❤️
❤❤❤ Hugs and prayers for this event!
Praying for you and the emergency!
Hope all will be all right sweet Tina.. praying for the situation ❤️
I pray that all is well with you and your family, Tina.
Be blessed ladies. May we all be reminded of our Fathers merciful love. It’s new every morning. Great is His beautiful faithfulness.
Yes, Amen!