I am humbled, contrite in spirit, and trembling at the word of the LORD.

Today’s Scriptures: Isaiah 66:2 BSB- “Has not My hand made all these things? And so they came into being,” declares the LORD. “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word.”

This affirmation of God feels more like a confession to God, but I could so relate that I had to share. The Holy Scriptures challenge our understanding and egos. Most times what we learn is opposite to what this world tells us. The words of Isaiah and the words of Jesus call us all to be servants of the LORD. The idea of servanthood and slavery in the modern world misguide us.

Over the past few days, I have been reading and re-reading Isaiah 63 through 66. Through the affirmatic study of these scriptures, my heart felt joy and the words have made me tremble. Yet somehow things seemed unsettled.

Isaiah 65:13-14 promises, “Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, My servants shall eat, But you shall be hungry; Behold, My servants shall drink, But you shall be thirsty; Behold, My servants shall rejoice, But you shall be ashamed; Behold, My servants shall sing for joy of heart, But you shall cry for sorrow of heart, And wail for grief of spirit.” (NKJV)

Reading these words of God I knew I wanted to be a servant of the Lord God. I could also feel the joy that was coming out of my heart. However, as I continued to read, I came across a process that needs to be experienced before some of us can become servants.

As I read Isaiah 66:1 “This is what the LORD says: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be?” (NIV), I felt my heart cry out, LORD please make my heart Your resting place. So,  I will affirm today that My heart is the LORD’s resting place.

When I read Isaiah 66:2 “My hands have made both heaven and earth; they and everything in them are mine. I, the LORD, have spoken! “I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word.” (NLT)

In the New King James Version of Isaiah 66:2, the LORD said, “But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word.”

A quick Google search of the meaning of poor in Isaiah 66:2 put it this way:

Key aspects of “poor” in this context include:

Humility and Dependency: The term denotes a humble heart that knows it is needy and helpless without God.

Contrite Spirit: This implies being broken and fully yielded to God, which is a state God welcomes and “looks to”.

Contrasted with Pride: It stands in opposition to arrogance and trusting in worldly wealth or self.

Reverence: It is often paired with “trembling at my word,” indicating a deep awe and submissive obedience to divine teaching.

Ultimately, this “poverty” is a spiritual attitude of relying completely on God for validation and sustenance. AI quoted the En-Gedi Resource Center for these points.

This reminds me of my personal testimony. When I finally accepted my own poverty due to my addictions and compulsive behaviors, I was humbled to the point of having a contrite heart. God’s words continue to shake my heart and move my spirit more each day, and joy does sing from my heart.

Although everybody’s story is different. Many times, we come to know God when we are humbled by our brokenness and poverty, our spirits become contrite and more receptive to God’s will. Now we are ready to be His servants and to experience His joy.

Are you ready?

Today’s Prayer: Heavenly Father,thank You for all that You have done for us. I am thankful that You call us to be Your servants. Thank You LORD for resting upon our hearts and for teaching us the joy found in Your words. Thank You for Jesus who took away our sins so we may serve You. In the name of Jesus, we do pray. Amen.