Daily Reflections on Isa. 1:2-9 (Am I Nuts?)

I've watched it again and again. People with messed up lives choosing to continue to live messed up lives. They have life preserver in hand and purposely choose to toss it aside and continue to flail. To be honest, it doesn't make any sense to me. I've seen people addicted to alcohol and drugs, living in desperate situations, jump right back in fulll throttle even when given a sweet set up to escape, complete with plenty of friends and support.

Okay, I realize the addictive power of drugs and alcohol. But they aren't the only ones I've seen exhibit that kind of behavior. I've watched ladies being physically abused go back to live with their abuse. Surely you're not saying she's addicted to being beat up. I've seen people who spend themselves into financial ruin. They get help to get out and before you know it they're in over their head again; they've tossed the budget out the window.

It amazes me the number of people I see involved in various forms of self destructive behavior who choose to continue to wallow in their squaller. Why do people live like that? You have a way out. You know what to do. You've tasted of life above the fracas. So why in the world do you continue to purposely choose to bring calamity, hardship, pain, suffering, frustration on yourself? Does this make sense to anyone?

But to be honest, the thing that gets me the most is why would people refuse the love of God? Why do people refuse to accept God's grace and forgiveness? Why would anyone choose to reject Jesus, His truths and abundant life? Why would anyone purposely choose to live in darkness when they could live in the light? Why would anyone deny the power of God in their life or quench His Holy Spirit? Why would anyone kick aside eternal life for eternal punishment?

I must be nuts! God gives us a plan and a promise to really live, to experience the fullness of life, to avoid the pit falls and pain and we just ignore it. Doesn't that seem a little strange?

God, help me to hold out and up the Word of Life. Not only for others, but for myself. I don't know why I ignore your truths or fail to heed your warnings. I don't know why I sometimes bring pain on myself. Let your spirit flow in me. I want your guidance and your direction. Help me listen to your spirit today and tomorrow and the next day, all day.