Scripture for Your Inner Outcasts

Transcript

"The LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying: 'Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God; let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky!' But Ahaz answered, 'I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!'"

Welcome back to Scripture for your inner outcasts and happy solemnity of the Annunciation. It's March 25th, 2026. Today we are joined by Justin Brown. Justin is a Catholic therapist licensed in Illinois and Texas.

Today's Scripture comes from the first reading, Isaiah chapter seven, verses 10 through 12. "The LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying: 'Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God; let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky!' But Ahaz answered, 'I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!'" When you hear the Lord say to Ahaz, "Ask for a sign. Let it be deep as the netherworld or high as the sky," you might feel as though asking anything of God is dangerous, or that wanting reassurance means you're weak, unfaithful, or needy in a way that God would be disappointed. You might feel a sense of unworthiness. Who am I to ask God for anything? As though God's invitations couldn't possibly include you. You might feel convinced that if you entrusted your desires to him, he would turn away or scold you for daring to make such a request. You might hear Ahaz's refusal, "I will not ask. I will not tempt the Lord," and feel some relief because that sounds safer. You might feel like staying small keeps you protected. You might feel safer hiding your needs, your longing for reassurance, because if you do, you won't be let down. But here's the truth from Scripture. The Lord is not impatient with your need. He is not annoyed by your longing. He is the one who initiates the invitation.

He is the one who says, ask. The God who speaks here is not testing you. He is revealing his heart. You might feel like asking for a sign would expose you, but what it truly exposes is his generosity. You might feel like you're too much, but this Scripture tells the truth that God Himself draws near and invites you to approach him. You might feel you live in a world where needing anything is dangerous, but the world God reveals is one where you are allowed to bring your requests, your questions, your deepest desires, your hope. You might feel afraid that God will reject your request, but in Scripture, he is the one beckoning you to trust that he can fulfill our desires in his perfect way and time. To you who feel unworthy, God says, "Ask." To you who feel unsafe, God says, "I am the one inviting you." To you who feel like your needs are a burden, God says, "Let your need draw you close to me." You don't have to force yourself to trust. You don't have to pretend you're not afraid. You can simply hear the truth. The God who commands the heavens and the depths is not threatened by your asking. He is honored by it. The truth that he invites you. He understands your heart and your desires, and it is safe to ask him.

Once again, that was Justin Brown. Listeners are invited to contact him through his page at catholictherapist.com, which is linked in the description of this episode.

Let's end with our invocations. Our Lady, our Mother, Untier of Knots, pray for us. Saint Joseph, pray for us. Saint John the Baptist, pray for us.