“But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word” (Isaiah 66:2b ESV).
In Isaiah’s day, the people of Judah took great pride in the temple and its sacrifices. They assumed that because they had the house of God in Jerusalem, His favor would always rest on them. Yet Isaiah reminded them that the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth, cannot be confined to a building or impressed by ritual. What God desired was not empty ceremony but hearts that were humble, broken over sin, and attentive to His Word. In a culture filled with outward religion, God declared He “looks” with favor not on the self-assured worshiper, but on the one who bows low in reverence and obedience at His Word.
This truth speaks directly to us today. God is not impressed by our church attendance, our eloquent prayers, or our religious routines. What He desires is the posture of our hearts. Do we come to His Word with a holy trembling, eager to hear and ready to obey? Or do we skim it casually, as if it were just another human book? Jesus echoed Isaiah’s message when He told the woman at the well that the Father seeks those who would worship Him “in spirit and truth” (John 4:23). God’s gaze turns toward the humble—those who confess their need, admit their brokenness, and receive His Word with reverence. The Spirit-filled life is marked by a deep sensitivity to God’s voice. When He speaks, we tremble—not with dread, but with a passionate desire to obey what He says. May we be among those worshipers whom God “looks” upon with favor.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we bow before You with humble hearts. Forgive us when we treat Your Word lightly or go through the motions of worship. Teach us to tremble at Your Word, to take it seriously, and to live by it daily. May Your Spirit make us worshipers in spirit and truth, pleasing in Your sight. Look upon us, Lord, that our worship may be acceptable unto You. In Jesus’ name, amen.