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ISAIAH 43:1-3, 14-21; ROMANS 15:22-33

If only! We hear it all the time. If only I hadn't had that accident. If only I'd lived in some other place. If only he had not died so young. If only I had more money. If only I were younger. If only I were older. If only I had a different job. If only people really knew me. It goes on and on . . . if only!

A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE

There is a world of difference between if only and next time. If only looks backward; next time looks forward. If only is a phrase of defeat; next time is a phrase of hope. The prophet Isaiah kept reminding Israel that our God is a "next time" God. Isaiah is referred to as "the golden prophet." He rises to great heights in expressing truth in illuminating imagery. That truth was always "Truth," no diminishing of the judgment of God upon Israel because of her lackluster faithlessness, but also no hesitancy about promise and hope.

At the close of Isaiah, in chapters 40–44, he has offers of comfort.

Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God.

Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, . . .

that she has served her term,

that her penalty is paid. (40:1-2)

And the assurance of God's help

Do not fear, for I am with you, . . .

I will strengthen you, I will help you. (41:10)

And affirmation as God's servant and witness

I have given you as a covenant to the people,

a light to the nations,

to open the eyes that are blind,

to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon,

from the prison those who sit in darkness. (42:6-7)

And the promise of unlimited blessing and protection

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by name, you are mine. . . .

when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,

and the flame shall not consume you. (43:1-2)

After all that, he makes it clear that Israel is called to faithfulness and God is a jealous, demanding God. He gives a scathing denunciation against idolatry.

All who make idols are nothing, and the things they delight in do not profit;

. . . they will be put to shame. (44:9)

Isaiah keeps the picture clear. God is jealous and demanding. He calls for faithfulness. But he is a "next time" God.

Do not remember the former things,

or consider the things of old.

I am about to do a new thing;

now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? (43:18).

Let Isaiah speak to us personally about if only and next time.

FREEDOM FROM REGRET AND SELF-PITY

If only is a life dominated by regret, and regret is a paralyzing emotion. Many of us are its victims. Our lives are dominated by this energy-draining emotion: "If only I hadn't done this" or "If only I had done that" . . . These are useless words. They keep us preoccupied with the past and drain us of the energy needed for present living. If only regrets also blind us to the offer of life and relationship, the opportunities for service and joy that are coming all the time. That's the reason God says to us, "Do not remember the former things. . . . / I am about to do a new thing" (43:18-19).

If only is not only a life dominated by regret; it is always an expression of selfpity, and there is nothing creative or positive about self-pity. Rather, self-pity is debilitating. When we bury ourselves in self-pity, we cut off the creativity and the power that could open doors to new life.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

What regrets hold you back? What can you do today to trust your "next time" God?