Isaiah 35 is such a hopeful chapter in the Bible that’s full of Gods promise to us. It starts out saying, “Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days. The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses. Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy! The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon, as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon. There the Lord will display his glory, the splendor of our God” hNLT). This reminds us that God will cause the barren season and places in our life will become places of beauty. I believe God uses the wilderness to reveal Himself to us more clearly.
The next verse says, “With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weak knees.” When we’re in a wilderness season, we need this declaration of hope to keep us going. We must remember that the place we’re in is not permanent and that God will bring beauty from the ashes of the place we’re in. He wants us to keep digging into His Word no matter how down trodden we feel, and to keep praying on our knees no matter how weak they feel. Your prayers are being heard in Heaven and a fruitful season of restoration is on the way.
This part of the beautiful promise wraps up in verse 4 by saying, “Say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.’” Divine intervention is on its way. God is going to move to set things right. It may not be today, or as soon as you would like, but it is coming. He is not distant from you, nor is He unaware of this place you’re in. The wilderness will bloom. The dry places will flow with water. There will be growth and beauty again. Take strength and encouragement from these verses today. You have the promise and hope of restoration coming.
Devotions by Chris Hendrix 