Isaiah 61:11 – The Lord will bring about justice and praise in every nation on earth, like flowers blooming in a garden. (CEV)

Not long ago, while my granddaughter and I were shopping, Ade excitedly pointed out the seed displays. From the time that she was old enough to walk, she had always helped me to plant the vegetable seeds in our gardens and greenhouse. When I reminded her that we no longer had a greenhouse or vegetable patch here on our new property, she felt sad and discouraged. Noticing her downcast look, I reminded her that we still could and would plant baskets of flowers this year to hang along the front yard fence. With this announcement, her little face lit up with anticipation at this change of circumstances.

Likewise, today, we are living amidst fast-changing circumstances in a world that just seems to be going steadily downhill. People are frustrated by violence, inflation, heartache, and a lack of justice. There are many who can no longer afford to buy food and other necessities once the rent has been paid. Others are living on the streets, through no fault of their own. Many families cannot afford proper medications or extended care. Food banks are stretched to the limit, and there is no end in sight to the wars that have been raging overseas or to the natural disasters that strike at random. Where will it all end, we wonder? Will Jesus return and put an end to it all, or will He choose to let the conditions escalate, or will He ordain that the world will experience restoration and renewal through the power and mercy of His love?

I do not know, and neither does anyone else — only God the Father. Isaiah's message in today's verse was not just written for the people of his time, however. It was penned as a timeless word of hope for all mankind amidst situations similar to what we are experiencing today. In his message, Isaiah reminds us that God loves us and that He is what some have termed, "a turnaround God", Who can reverse any situation.

Knowing this truth should therefore change our downcast faces and our discouraged attitudes over the plight of our world or our own personal situations, into ones of hope and anticipation. God is not dead. God is not sleeping. God is very much alive, and as Isaiah wrote so many years ago, He is able "to comfort those who mourn … to give them flowers in place of their sorrow, olive oil in place of tears, and joyous praise in place of broken hearts." (Isaiah 61:2b-3a CEV)

According to today's verse, the Lord is the One Who is able to "bring about justice and praise in every nation on earth and in every individual heart and life, like flowers blooming in a garden." Therefore, let us celebrate and shout for joy, for where our God is, there is always hope, restoration, and renewal.

Prayer: Lord God, we praise and thank You that You are the One Who has the power to turn things around in our lives and in the life of this world, now and forever. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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