I recently happened upon this chapter in Isaiah, and I knew it was to be a guidepost for my family during 2019. I also felt God wanted me to share it with you.
I feel Him showing me that some of you have walked out a lot of stretching and disappointment and He is sending out this chapter as a beckon of hope and light. Life does not always need to be riddled with challenge and suffering. There are to be seasons of harvest and rest. We are to rest in the goodness of God. At least, that’s what He keeps speaking to me……
As you read over this chapter, take it slow and let it soak into your heart and mind. The devotional is simple today, but very purposeful. Soaking in God’s word is of the utmost importance and we will begin today just that way.
The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like a crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God. Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, He will come with vengeance; with divine retribution He will come to save you. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs. In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow. And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in that Way; wicked fools will not go about on it. No lion will be there, nor will any ferocious beast get up on it; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there, and the ransomed of the Lord will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. Isaiah 35
God, I believe I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. I believe You are crowning this year with Your goodness. I believe every promise You have spoken over me and my family. I will trust You as I walk out Your goodness and I will not fear that trouble will come tomorrow. You are my ever-present God. You know all. You have been in my past and You have walked in my future, so I will trust in You alone. In Jesus name, Amen.
365 Days in the Presence 