Never give up on God. He has everything under control. Such a beautiful passage to begin the second section of the Book of Isaiah. Scholars believe this was written by other prophets, yet all contained together in the book of Isaiah. We are going to see God as a dynamic, destiny-shaping presence. The first 39 chapters focused on pre-exile prophecies. A span of 100+ years existed between those days involving the Assyrians while Isaiah was alive to the exile. The Babylonian exile would add another 70 years. Today’s reading gives hope to those returning from exile.
What do we see? The time for discipline was past. “Tell her that her sad days are gone and her sins are pardoned. Yes, the Lord has punished her twice over for all her sins.” Only a few short chapters ago we were hearing of God’s anger toward his people for this disobedience. What they endured in Babylon was now punishment in the past. It’s time to move on and embrace the future. “Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. The Lord has spoken!”
What sorts of things comfort you? I think of putting on comfy clothes or preparing comfort foods. There’s something relaxing and freeing about wearing “happy pants,” as our family calls them, to lounge around after an exhausting day. As I’m writing this, one of our dogs has sought refuge in my arms from loud noises that have scared her. She is feeling the safety of my arms. Think about your happy place. Just the thought of it can bring a wave of peace with it.
That’s the role God desires to play for us, as well. He wants to be our “go-to” source for comfort. “He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.” We don’t need to fear anything when we rely on God’s protection.
Think of the original audience drawing hope from these words. They would have had everything they’d known stripped away from them. They would have lived in captivity and had to endure a new way of life, apart from family and friends who may or may not have survived the exile. What would it feel like to return to a land that was familiar yet strange? For those who had left, how many remained still. Had they felt abandoned by God? Now their oppressors were no more. So many emotions.
Take some time today to think about a time when you felt far from God, perhaps abandoned. Remember the anguish? Remember the feelings of hopelessness? Remember the release of peace when your relationship with God was restored. It was a time of getting reacquainted. Thank God for carrying you through that desert part of your life.
Let’s pray … Lord, I take comfort in knowing that no matter what is happening in the world around me, you are in control. My destiny is held securely in your hands. I know that you have my best interest in mind. Help me to trust you and proclaim your goodness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
