“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace.” (Isaiah 55:12)

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We live in scary, polarizing times. Satan and his demons instigate angry divisions that split families and friends. I often feel like hiding behind my walls. But Jesus wants me to cut in a window.

Israel sought refuge in higher walls, but God said their security lay with Him. He reigns from heaven, and His word governs all. If Israel  would return to Him, God would “have mercy on them” and restore them as His people to bless the world. He would lift them up, ultimately leading them in a triumphal parade. Their celebration “will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever.”

Sometimes walls are necessary. Walls with windows are best. They show the world that we trust God for the future. Our fears are real. Our God is greater. Windows open us to Jesus, “the light of the world” and to others who need Him.

Daily Questions

1. Would you say your life is more wall or window? Why?
2. Is there a person or situation you need to be more open to?

Daily Thoughts

Almighty Father, flood our hearts with the confidence of Your love.

Isaiah 55: 6-13

“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.”

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth. It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever.

Bonus Information

Isaiah 55: 6-13 features one of the characteristics of Isaiah’s writing, the use of imagery from nature. These verses include about a dozen such references. The prophet speaks of heaven and earth and rain and snow, “mountains and hills” and “trees of the field”. One scholar notes that “Isaiah’s world vibrates with nature’s buzzing.” After a bit of biographical and historical information, the book begins with, “Hear me, you heavens! Listen, earth!” The much loved nature references in chapter 40 include these familiar words: “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the fields. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”