Isaiah’s next prophecy deals with that very problem. God says to the women, “So, you spend all day craning your necks to see what is the newest, the hottest, the best in fashion, in decor and in stuff. I’m sorry, that all I have provided is not sufficient for you. I tell you what, since you do not like what I have provided, I will take it back. Your fashion will be what you can scrape up on your own, your beauty will fade with the effort to survive. There will be no fine jewelry, hair, or accessories–you will be left broken, brokenhearted, and alone.”
Paul made clear the importance of being content. In Philippians 4:11-13, Paul says he has learned to be content in all circumstances. Whether well fed or hungry; living in plenty or in want; he could do all things through Christ who strengthened him. Learning to be content is critical in the growth in our relationship with God. Isaiah was simply warning the people to turn it around. In short, spend all that energy that they were expending on jealosy and covetousness on selflessness and graciousness. Concern yourself with the care and nurture of others, and allow God to worry about your provision and protection!
We all face the temptation to want what is new, sparkly, and cool. Yet, when we look around, we are living in oppulence compared to most. We, like Paul, must learn to be content in our own lives. We need to be grateful for what we have, and not ungrateful for what we think we lack. It is all God’s stuff. He provides and He can also take it back. If that is what lies ahead, make no mistake, it will be tough, but, if one will focus on the right heart and attitude, they can endure to the end! Like Paul said, “Whether well fed or hungry; living in plenty or in want–I can do ALL things through Christ who stengthens me.
God Bless You
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The Lord has taken his place to contend;
he stands to judge peoples.
14 The Lord will enter into judgment
with the elders and princes of his people:
“It is you who have devoured[f] the vineyard,
the spoil of the poor is in your houses.
15 What do you mean by crushing my people,
by grinding the face of the poor?”
declares the Lord God of hosts.
16 The Lord said:
Because the daughters of Zion are haughty
and walk with outstretched necks,
glancing wantonly with their eyes,
mincing along as they go,
tinkling with their feet,
17 therefore the Lord will strike with a scab
the heads of the daughters of Zion,
and the Lord will lay bare their secret parts.
18 In that day the Lord will take away the finery of the anklets, the headbands, and the crescents; 19 the pendants, the bracelets, and the scarves; 20 the headdresses, the armlets, the sashes, the perfume boxes, and the amulets; 21 the signet rings and nose rings; 22 the festal robes, the mantles, the cloaks, and the handbags; 23 the mirrors, the linen garments, the turbans, and the veils.
24 Instead of perfume there will be rottenness;
and instead of a belt, a rope;
and instead of well-set hair, baldness;
and instead of a rich robe, a skirt of sackcloth;
and branding instead of beauty.
25 Your men shall fall by the sword
and your mighty men in battle.
26 And her gates shall lament and mourn;
empty, she shall sit on the ground.
Walking With God 