Isaiah Chapter 34. Stop. Look. Listen.
As a child in school, I remember being taught safety lessons before crossing the road. Three key words they taught us were STOP. LOOK. And LISTEN. It was all for our safety and had nothing to do with trying to spoil our fun.
STOP before crossing the road. LOOK before crossing, and LISTEN before crossing.
STOP. Don't just assume nothing is going to be coming.
LOOK. Look in all directions necessary to assure that no vehicle is going to hit you if you step out on the road.
LISTEN. If you can hear a vehicle then wait to ensure it's safe to cross.
I look at chapter 34 as God's call, to his creation, to STOP. LOOK. LISTEN.
STOP what you're doing and come to me declares the Lord.
LOOK at your life. Are you living for your pleasures or for my pleasures?
LISTEN to what I have to say. Get right with me or suffer my wrath.
God loves us and is trying to teach us safety lessons and it's not so he can ruin our fun.
Everyday, before we make a decision with our lives, we should run through the safety guidelines.
STOP before you choose to go out tonight, what is your intent? To fill your lusts or do the will of the father?
LOOK. Look to God first. Draw near to him first. James 4:7-8.
LISTEN. Listen to his voice. Will this bring Glory to God's name or our own name? Will it reflect the Holiness of God or fight against it? Will this build eternal blessings or cause his wrath to fall? 1 Corinthians 10:31.
Adhere to God's loving safety guidelines: STOP. LOOK. LISTEN.