Looking for a better day? Then hang on!
By Dean Collins
Moses led the Israelites through a literal wilderness. Several times, David found himself on the run and had to hide in barren places for safety. In Isaiah, we find Israel in exile. Sin has consequences, and many of God’s chosen people lived in Babylon. Others lived in and around Jerusalem but with limited resources while they stared at a devastated temple and city.
The first 10 verses of Isaiah 35 envision a future state. The barren land is rejoicing, and the glory of the Lord is visible on earth. Better times have finally come!
Anyone in need of a new season? Hoping for a better day? Then these 10 verses may just be the salve you need for a wounded spirit.
Isaiah mentions several physical challenges some of God’s children may have experienced. Maybe you can relate. In these few verses, we read of those who have:
Weak hands (3)
Feeble knees (3)
Anxious hearts (4)
Blind eyes (5)
Deaf ears (5)
Lame men and women (6)
Muted tongues (6)
Life’s events may have hit you hard and caused you to stumble. There may be a new diagnosis or financial challenge that has stirred worry and anxiety. You may or may not have physical blindness, but there might be a situation where you simply cannot see the way forward or where you cannot seem to hear God’s voice or sense the prompting of his spirit.
Those who love the Lord with all their hearts do still experience setbacks, illnesses, and seasons where things look bleak and barren. The prophet Isaiah tells us that we will see the glory of the Lord and the majesty of our God. And while we wait, there are things to do.
Strengthen the weak hands
Make firm the feeble knees
Speak words of life over those who have an anxious heart. And use God’s words, “Be strong; fear not!”
Look for God to show up and right the wrongs and provide repayment for what was lost.
Know that God will come and save you!
Isaiah gives us beautiful images of creation being restored and a highway opening up called the Way of Holiness. Only those who belong to God can travel this road and experience final and forever joy and complete restoration. No enemy of God will have victory over us as we travel this road.
The promise of scripture is that there will be no situation that will ever separate us from God. There is no difficulty that is eternal. There is no illness that is not permanently healed in God’s time. Jesus paid it all for all time, and nothing and no one can stand in the way of God’s perfect plan for us and for all of his creation.
Yes, we will hurt from time to time. Yes, we will experience loss. Yes, things will not always work out the way we planned. But when we surrender our lives and our situation to God, he will not ever abandon us. He will bring a new and better day.
Father, thank you for encouraging passages of scripture that remind us of a better tomorrow! Thank you for your Holy Spirit who gives us strength and hope even in times of weakness, illness, and suffering. Lord, remind us of the people and places where we are called to speak life and hope over others who are in pain and face huge obstacles. We love you and trust you completely. Open our hearts and minds to experience your goodness even today. In Jesus name, Amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
Isaiah 35:1-10 ESV
Photo by Ian Taylor on Unsplash
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