The situation in Jerusalem was one of immense danger. The northern kingdom of Israel was being overrun by the Assyrians, and in the southern kingdom the holy city of Jerusalem was being threatened by the same army that had invaded the north. Isaiah was in that city, and his writings allow us to sense what was happening. To study this event gives tremendous insight into how individuals react to stressful times.
Stressful times should create humble hearts before God. Isaiah said, “And in that day the Lord God of hosts called for weeping and for mourning, for baldness and for girding with sackcloth” (Isa. 22:12). Had Judah looked around them they would have seen how dire the circumstances were. The city was not only being threatened by Assyrians but the armies of Kir (Syria) and Elam (Persia) were also part of the attacking forces (Isa. 22:6). The valleys around the holy city were filled with chariots of the enemy, and there were breaches (gaps) in the walls (Isa. 22:7-9). It was a time when the Jews should have been on their knees, clothed in the sackcloth of repentance. Such simply was not happening!
Stressful times are times when we foolishly seek comfort in material things. God had called for repentance, “But instead, joy and gladness, slaying oxen and killing sheep, eating meat and drinking wine: ‘Let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die’” (Isa. 22:13)! How remarkable it is that we ignore the God of all comfort when we really need comfort. This is the avenue of escape those with addictions seek, but the seeking of comfort in material things is also the route taken by many. When adversity comes our way we no longer spend time with His word. We become sporadic in church attendance. We push the spiritual out of our lives in so many ways. The “let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die” philosophy is such a fatalistic view of life. It may be the only source the ungodly have, but Christians have an amazing source of spiritual comfort and hope.
Stressful times either bring us closer to God or distance us from Him. How closely we live to God is determined by us. James said, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). When we humble ourselves before Him, He always lifts us up (James 4:10). The adversity in the days of Isaiah became Satan’s tool to destroy spirituality in Jerusalem, when it could have been the instrument used by God to create greater spirituality. Israel decided which it would be.
So the next time you are burdened, just remember that you determine if that situation is a blessing or a curse!