“’Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness,
you who seek the Lord…
For the Lord comforts Zion;
he comforts all her waste places
and makes her wilderness like Eden,
her desert like the garden of the Lord;
joy and gladness will be found in her,
thanksgiving and the voice of song.
“’Give attention to me, my people,..
My righteousness draws near,
my salvation has gone out,
and my arms will judge…
Lift up your eyes to the heavens,
and look at the earth beneath;
for the heavens vanish like smoke,
the earth will wear out like a garment..;
but my salvation will be forever,
and my righteousness will never be dismayed.
“’Listen to me, you who know righteousness,
the people in whose heart is my law;
fear not the reproach of man,
nor be dismayed at their revilings.
For the moth will eat them like a garment,
and the worm will eat them like wool,
but my righteousness will be forever,
and my salvation to all generations…’
“The ransomed of the Lord shall return
with singing;
everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;
they shall obtain gladness and joy,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
“’I, I am he who comforts you;
who are you that you are afraid of man who dies,
of the son of man who is made like grass,
and have forgotten the Lord, your Maker,
who stretched out the heavens
and laid the foundations of the earth…
I am the Lord your God,
who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar—
the Lord of hosts…
I have put my words in your mouth
and covered you in the shadow of my hand,
establishing the heavens
and laying the foundations of the earth,
and saying, “You are my people.”’”
“Break forth together into singing,
you waste places of Jerusalem,
for the Lord has comforted his people;
he has redeemed.” Isaiah 51:1,3-8,11-13a,15-16; 52:9
Isaiah calls God’s people to remember what is true, to get back to the basics of who God is and how He relates to his people. Though their nation was in an uproar, the Lord remained constant and His covenant of salvation was for all generations. He was palpable comfort in what seemed waste places, making their wilderness of life and soul and outlook like a garden, blooming with joy and gladness, beauty and song.
It is natural to be caught up in the stresses and mire of every day, and feel overcome by what seems unending fruitlessness in effort or prayer, or an arid wilderness of thought, civility, productivity, advancement, or relationships. If we consider only external situations- the visible, audible, and painful horrors and disappointments of daily life- we will not understand (or even look for) the meaning behind or the glory to rise from the devastation. (Isaiah 53:2-6,10-12)
If, however, we listen to God’s voice, and give attention to His promises and comfort, we will begin to sense His loving hand, feel gladness, and see blooms in the desert. A destitute view springs to life with hope, waste and sighing are transformed to growth, and song.
When will we turn off the world’s cares and listen to the Lord as HIs children? In what desert or wilderness can we sense His working and renewal? How can God’s promise of comfort, hope, and endless salvation make a difference today?
Lord, help me rejoice always in Your certain glorious end! (Philippians 4:4)
As the rain and snow 