Isaiah 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
God Dwells with the Humble
We live in a world where power is rewarded and the powerful are proud. We live in a world where we feel that if we are good, then we will have the best of life, and if we are not, then we are left on our own.
Isaiah 57 turns this basic human thought on its head when God says, “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” Notice Who this God is. He is high and lofty. He is above all. He inhabits eternity. He is singular, different than anyone or anything else. He is holy. Yet, this high and holy God dwells with and revives those who are of a humble spirit. God in the highest dwells with those who are lowly and know it.
It is easy to look at people who are rich, powerful, or in some way have everything going for them and say, “God is blessing them.” There is no doubt that every good gift we have is a blessing from God. Yet, we cannot measure a person’s proximity to God by how much money or fame he has.
There are many cults and kingdoms that have been wealthy and powerful, but who were far, far from God. God lives with the humble and not with those who feel sufficient in their own virtues. We do not stair-step our way to God by being good, great, or proud. We find God right here, right now with us. The eternal God Who inhabits the heavens is by us when we have a humble heart. He is the God Who revives such people, and Who responds to our weakness with His grace.