“Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he will not hear.” vs1-2

God will not hear us, if we remain obstinate in our sins. He will not hear us in prayer, and He will not hear us for mercy.

1) Sin must be dealt with. It is the issue between God and man. Sin is the monster that has defeated us. When Balaam could not defeat Israel, he led her into sin, and this is the essence of a false prophet [Numb 25]. He separates us from the Lord, because he doesn’t preach righteousness. He lives a sinful life and preaches a sinful gospel.

2) Sin is defeated by the shed blood of Christ! He paid the penalty and the ransom [what it takes to get us out of captivity to God’s law and sin’s dominion]. He delivered us from God’s wrath by TAKING OUR PLACE. This is the heart of the gospel: Substitution - the Just for the unjust that He might bring us to God [1 Pet 3:18]. He paid for the sins that we committed, so justice and mercy could meet, righteousness and peace could kiss [Ps 85:10]. He is the reason that God is able to be just and to justify, by faith in His blood [Rom 3:25-26].

3) Sin is defeated by the power of the Holy Spirit. We need both sanctification and justification, and Christ gives them. All who believe on Christ receive a full salvation. John 1:12, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the authority to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” This salvation includes election, predestination, redemption, and holiness; it includes perseverance and the great gift of the Holy Spirit’s power, who assures us, persuades us, convinces us, comforts us, and enables us. The Spirit is Christ with the believer working mightily in the inner man [Eph 3:16-17]. He is the essence of the new life - Christ focused, empowered within! This gift is God’s gracious provision to all who call upon Him.

4) Overcoming sin will bring us near to God. He will hear our prayers! Oh, how we must “hallelujah” at this point! To be heard by God, empowered by Him, thrilled by Him, and comforted by Him is greatness, love experienced, and fulfilling peace; it is the unspeakable joy that’s in the soul! 1 Pet 1:8, “Whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.”

I wish everyone could feel what I feel, as if your heart is too big for your chest and too full. Yet, these are things that have been felt by saints, and we need feeling religion, so draw near to God in the experience of grace.

5) Put off your sins! Confess them, and receive more joy. Get rid of the weight that is holding you down. They are keeping you from happiness. It may seem as if you must have them, but they deceive you! They keep you from God, and He is the river of pleasure and the water of life [Ps 16:11]. He is the One that makes us hunger and thirst no more [John 6:35]. He is soul satisfaction, a clean conscience, and joy [1 Tim 1:5]. He gives power over sins and communion with Him in holiness. He is a comforter in the deepest distresses, and there is no one like Him!

Let joy move you and dominate your soul. Be addicted to it, so that you seek Him. Do His will, knowing that there is a reward [Heb 11:6]. We do not serve a blase’ blah god. We don’t serve one who refuses to give back. His service is not drudgery, but it is life - spiritual life, abundant life, and joyful life. Let God’s goodness lead you to repentance.