Trapped

Have you ever felt utterly trapped with no way of escape? Circumstances of life can sometimes hem us in from every side. We may have lost our job, face the uncertainty of sickness and disease, stand beside the casket of someone we love, feel the betrayal of love turned to hate or fear for tomorrow in so many other ways. Where will we turn when we find ourselves ensnared and held captive?

I remember a time in college when I had painted myself into a corner with no way out. I was panicked and didn’t know what to do. I thought I could escape by going home, but mine was a trap of my own making, so I could not free myself by running away. I had to face God with my sin and in turn those whom I had wronged; that was the only way to break out of my prison.

• [3] What will you do when I send desolation upon you from a distant land? To whom will you turn for help? Where will your treasures be safe? [4] I will not help you. You will stumble along as prisoners or lie among the dead. But even then the Lord's anger will not be satisfied. His fist is still poised to strike.
  Isaiah 10:3-4 (NLT)

Isaiah prophesied of the coming destruction of Jerusalem, that God would judge His people for their sin and rebellion. When the time comes for God to unleash His anger there will be no place to hide. All will be taken captive by their enemies or be piled among the dead—no escape.

God has set a day of reckoning, a day of judgment for all of us. When that day comes upon us where will we turn for help? On that day we will find no way of escape and no relief from our pain and grief. When the wrath of God is poured out upon us for our sin it will be too late to seek His help for it will be His hand of judgment upon us.

I’m glad to know that before the coming of that day God has made a way of escape, that we can find the favor of the Lord and experience His love instead of His wrath.

• [2] The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned . . . [6] For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
  Isaiah 9:2, 6 (NIV)

Today is the day of salvation; today is that day that we can come to God through Jesus and find peace. Jesus is the only way of escape from a trap made by our sin and rebellion. Tomorrow it may be too late.