Daily Reflections ...

Isaiah depicts a paradise: a world where there is no fear, sadness, pain or violence. He writes of a world where knowledge of the Lord is as plentiful as the waters of the sea. It is a state of being where freedom and joy are unlimited. This is what God promises to those who love him in faith.

Trusting in God’s promises can be a consolation to us, especially when things get difficult. The awareness that God can bring light even into the darkest situation can, at times, be the only thing to keep us going. Staying connected to God’s promises helps us cope with the difficulties experienced by us or by those we love. However, that doesn’t mean that we should just put up with things nor do everything we can to change them. We are to strive for justice for others and for ourselves, but we do this knowing that God is on our side and that our struggles will not be forever. God’s goal is that we all come to the peace and joy that Isaiah describes.

In hope we can have confidence in God and in his desire to restore all things in Christ. Hope is like the roots of a great tree. The stronger our hope in God, the stronger is our ability to weather the storms that come our way. If we can but rest our hearts in the wonder of God’s love for us, and in the strength of God’s promises to us, we will find sustenance for our journey, and the strength to persevere.

by David Kruse