Scripture: Isaiah 35
Everlasting joy.
Everlasting.
Can you name one thing you possess in this world that is everlasting? The closest thing I came up with is the diamond in my engagement ring. The durability of diamonds is part of why they are so costly. Yet, even diamonds turn to ash in extreme heat. Our homes and automobiles break down. Our priceless, precious bodies break down. The idea of something being everlasting is hard for us to conceive – especially if the thing that is everlasting is JOY. I experience moments of joy most days – a laugh with a friend, watching my ridiculous cats, Spotify surprising me with a favorite song. But everlasting joy? Wow. What a thing to imagine.
Everlasting joy is the vision given to a people in exile in Isaiah 35. They had lost everything and were facing hardships that seemed to be without end. But Isaiah says that God will come to save them and, in Zion, exchange their hardships for a crown of everlasting joy on their heads.
The hope of everlasting joy would have sounded like paradise to these people. Do you find yourself struggling in the desert right now? Do you feel weak, unsteady or afraid? Be strong. Your God will come. And indeed, this season he does, so clearly – in the form of a newborn baby in a manger.
O God,
Open our blind eyes to glimpses of everlasting joy around us.
Unstop our deaf ears to hear sounds of everlasting joy in our midst.
Strengthen our lame bodies to move always towards everlasting joy.
Unmute our tongues to shout the everlasting joy of the good news of Jesus.
Amen.
Courtney Thornton enjoys spending as much holiday time as possible with husband Todd and kids Paige and Owen.