A Thirsty Soul

In Isaiah 55, we find some wonderful invitations:

            Thirsty people—Come to the waters.

            People with no money—Come, buy, and eat.

            You (plural)—Seek the Lord.

            You (plural)—Call upon the Lord.

            Wicked people—Repent.

            Unrighteous people—Repent of your thoughts and turn to the Lord for forgiveness.

The first few verses are talking about water for the soul and soul food. You can get this food by listening to the Lord, believing His promises. (verses 2-3) Then you can eat and drink with your soul—delight your soul in fatness! Eat good things! (verse 2)

Let’s read Isaiah 55:1-7.

1. Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

2. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.

 3. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

 4. Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.

 5. Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.

6. Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

7. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

When I was a little girl, our church choir used to sing a beautiful anthem based on Isaiah 55:6-7. It repeated the phrases, “Seek ye the Lord,” and “He will have mercy and abundantly pardon.” Every time I read this passage, I sing to myself that beautiful melody and message.

Those who repent of their sins and seek the Lord will find mercy and forgiveness. (verse 7)

Are our souls thirsty? Are we yearning for soul food and drink? Do we seek God? Are we looking for forgiveness and peace—abundant pardon?

Seek ye the Lord while he may be found.