Sometimes you find yourself in a hard place through no fault of your own. In fact, you might be there because of the actions of others. This was the case in the days of Isaiah. A great portion of those in Israel rebelled against God and the whole nation suffered tough times as a result. In such times it is important to look to the Lord. Isaiah 57:15 is a good place to start. There are three things in this verse to remember when you are in a hard place.

When you are in a hard place remember who the Lord is. Remember His distinctive personality. Isaiah 57:15a reads, "For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy..." The Lord is "the High and Lofty One." It is noteworthy these same words are translated "high and lifted up" in Isaiah 6:1. The Lord is also the "Holy One." Isaiah 40:25 reads, "'To whom then will you liken Me, Or to whom shall I be equal?' says the Holy One."

When you are in a hard place remember where the Lord lives. Remember His dwelling places. Isaiah 57:15b reads, "...I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit..." Isaiah 66:1-2 reads, "Thus says the Lord: 'Heaven is My throne, And earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is the place of My rest? For all those things My hand has made, And all those things exist,' Says the Lord. 'But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word." Isaiah 7:14 reads, "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel." The designation "Immanuel" means "God with us." Here, we see God's transcendence and immanence as the country song insightfully claims, "How big is God? He's big enough to rule His mighty universe, yet small enough to live within my heart."

When you are in a hard place remember what the Lord does. Remember His divine purpose. Isaiah 57:15c reads, "...To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones." To revive literally means "to make alive." These are "times of refreshing" sent "from the presence of the Lord" (Acts 3:19). This is a promise to the humble and the contrite ones. Isaiah 66:2 reads, "But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word." Never underestimate the value of a personal revival.

Isaiah's life and ministry were marked by a reverence for God, a repentance toward God, and a reliance upon God (Isaiah 6:1-7). Keep this in mind when you are in a hard place.

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.