In life, we often assume that the higher a person’s position, the greater the distance that is created between them and those around them. Position, power and honour make a person seem increasingly unapproachable. Consequently, it is easy for us to imagine that the Most High God must surely be far removed from human life. Yet Isaiah presents a comforting paradox: the Most High God does not, in fact, appear as humans imagine Him.

This passage was written after the people of Israel had returned from the Babylonian exile. They hoped for an immediate restoration, but in reality, their lives were still filled with limitations and disappointments. Amidst this situation, God did not first change their circumstances, but rather made Himself present in the midst of them. Indeed, He commanded that a way be prepared for His people (v. 14), an illustration that it is God Himself who takes the initiative to open the way to restoration

In verse 15, God reveals Himself in a truly different way. In the ancient world, high places symbolised power and glory. Kings built their palaces on inaccessible fortresses, whilst the gods were believed to dwell on lofty mountains. The higher one’s status, the greater the distance from the people. Yet Isaiah turns this perspective on its head. God is indeed Most High and Most Glorious, but He chooses to dwell amongst the broken-hearted and the humble to lift their spirits. His greatness does not create distance, but brings healing love. In doing so, Isaiah simultaneously critiques the world’s understanding of power. The world often associates power with strength, success and the ability to stand on one’s own. Conversely, God manifests His power by drawing near to the broken-hearted and the humble; therefore, the peace He promises is not merely freedom from problems, but the wholeness of life that springs from a restored relationship with God.

Dear Friends of the Bible, we often assume that God will only draw near when our lives are going well. Yet Isaiah shows us the opposite. God does not wait for our hearts to be healed before drawing near. Rather, His presence is the very beginning of that healing. Therefore, do not be afraid to bring your wounds, failures and the weariness of life before Him. God never turns away from a heart that comes to Him. Even before we are able to take a step towards Him, He is the One who first clears the way, draws near, and restores us. For ultimately, what transforms our lives is not our success in finding God, but the realisation that God never ceases to draw near to us and find us.