Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Scripture

“The Lord will comfort Zion; he will comfort all her waste places, and will make her wilderness like Eden, her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song.” Isaiah 51:3

Reflections

There are some things that only God can do.

Isaiah wrote about the peoples’ “waste places” and “wilderness”.  Imagine places such as West Texas or Death Valley.  Very little signs of life.  Parched.  Barren.  Lacking much to be desired.

Most all of us have times in our lives when we feel like we’re in a wasteland.  Not much to get excited about.  Where do we find our hope?  In ourselves?  In what we see happening around us?  Sometimes those things are less than promising.

Isaiah was speaking to those who “pursue righteousness”.  He was appealing to those who have faith.  The Lord had proven himself to be faithful in the past.  He had blessed Abraham and Sarah with many descendants.  He will once again bring his blessings.  The waste places will be transformed to be like the garden of Eden.

People who do not have faith do not see it.  But those who trust in the Lord know He is true to his promises.  No matter what it may look like right now, a better day will come.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for the hope that can only be found in you.  Help me to see beyond today’s “waste places”.  Use me to speak words of life and hope to others.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: Isaiah 51:1-6