Daily Journal: 21 November

Reason to Celebrate

God gives reason to celebrate. He provides peace. He strengthens the body. He heals. He makes whole. He brings restitution and compensation. He gives rest and brings anointing on our lives.

Isaiah 57:18-20 (NET)

I have seen their behaviour, but I will heal them. I will lead them, and I will provide comfort to them [The verb וַאֲשַׁלֵּם (vaʾashallem), the Piel form of the verb שָׁלֵם (shalem), means “to make whole, make restitution, compensate, reward”] and those who mourn with them. I am the one who gives them reason to celebrate. Complete prosperity [Heb “Peace, peace.” The repetition of the noun emphasizes degree] is available both to those who are far away and those who are nearby,” says the Lord, “and I will heal them. But the wicked are like a surging sea that is unable to be quiet; its waves toss up mud and sand.

What are we like? If we are not at peace, if we stir up trouble or see criticisms where we could see grace, if we pit ourselves against others in strife, if we meditate on disillusionment and kick the dust along the road, if we become self-absorbed instead of helping the needs of others around us, we are darkening our day and not receiving and walking in the light that benefits our soul and increases our strength and influence.

Isaiah 58:9-11 (NLV)

Then you will call, and the Lord will answer. You will cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take the weight of sin away [speaks of oppression], and stop putting the blame on others and stop speaking sinful things, and if you give what you have to the hungry, and fill the needs of those who suffer, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your darkness will be like the brightest time of day. The Lord will always lead you. He will meet the needs of your soul in the dry times and give strength to your body. You will be like a garden that has enough water, like a well of water that never dries up.

God is true to His Word. He will do all that He has said He would and we will be like a well-watered garden. Live today like you believe it; find His refreshing; find His restitution; find His fulfilment; find His peace.

He is always near. We have reason to celebrate.