Isaiah 35:1-7
The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.
(Isaiah 35:1, New International Version).

When the Lord promised the children of Israel restoration and redemption, their situation did not align with that. But He spoke to them so that He could change their focus and belief system. He wanted to help them to shift their attention from their current situation so that they could believe the future that He planned for them.

He told them: “The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it  …” (Isaiah 35:1-2). In other words, He wanted them to replace the picture of gloom and slavery with the future that is coming.

Another thing they were expected to do was to be courageous. They were to strengthen the weak, tune their hope up and be ready for what God was about to do. It takes courage to believe God for change and breakthrough. Let us take a cue from this word and act accordingly.

Friend, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you” (Isaiah 35:4). May the Lord fill your heart with faith and hope to receive this word and expect it to happen in your life. Shalom.

Your Turn

• Praise God for love and the change that He plans for us.
• Pray for your specific needs.

Hymn: We rest on these our shield and our defender.

Further Reading: Joel 2:18-27.