Thoughts on Isaiah 33:13-16

God is a holy fire, consuming purity and everlasting flames. Who can draw near? Only those who strive for a righteous life. Living with integrity, speaking sincerely, living simply, one who doesn’t compromise her authority, doesn’t listen to gossip, isn’t entertained by evil. This is the one who find a home in the heights of God’s dwelling, safe and supplied. Amen

Our God is holy, he is pure oxygen; ignited and burning with such intense heat and unextinquishable flames none can approach him. I tremble with fear because he calls me to come near. How can I bear his holiness? How can I live along side such dread and beauty? Hear God’s voice and put on the garments that insulate and protect so that I can draw near and walk with the Holy.

I put on the undergarments of integrity. Next to my skin, covering and protecting the most private parts of my being I wear a commitment to live truly. This means I am always honest with myself about what I am experiencing, how I feel about what’s happening, what my thoughts are about interactions. My soul and my Lord may be the only ones who are privy to this conversation. These undergarments provide a filter that prohibits hurtful responses and permits healthy ones.

From my heart comes my words. I put on a dress of honesty, made beautiful by my sincere and truthful interactions with others. My words have eyes and ears that see the other, and drawing from the wealth of my integrity, offers encouragement to the fainting, hope to the despairing, loving correction to the lost.

My shoes are simple, functional and comfortable. They allow me to move toward fairness and away from privilege. I walk freely because I treat people and goods with the appropriate respect and value due them. I move easily because I am not tripped up by the snares of greed. I trample on the fear of scarcity.

I wear gloves that protect my hands from dirty deals. There is no contact with the temptation to use my authority and power to better my position. All are treated fairly and handled with respect. I live humbly in my station.

In my ears are earbuds tuned to truth. All gossip, titillating conversations, rumors are blocked out. I hear the music of love and kindness, of aid and comfort, they are the soundtrack of my life.

My eyesight is corrected by wearing the glasses of goodness and life. They see through the false facade and into the real. They filter out the harmful, blinding rays of lies. They give clarity of vision, to look beyond and see a glorious future.

These garments remake me into one who can bear the heat of God’s holiness. I dwell with God in the joy of His perspective. I am secure in the presence of God’s love. I live supplied with all that is needed.

Thank you and Amen.