May 12, 2023
1Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days.
The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses.
2Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers
and singing and joy!
The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon,
as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon.
There the Lord will display his glory,
the splendor of our God.
3With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands,
and encourage those who have weak knees. Isaiah 35:1-3 NLT
I’ve read Isaiah 35 many times over the years, and heard some of its words sing in the first part of Handel’s Messiah, but for some reason the first three words of verse 3, “with this news” never grabbed my attention until yesterday. Maybe it was because of how troubling the news is these days. Maybe it was because my lower back and knees hurt from overdoing things in the garden. Maybe it was because we all need the relentless hope that pushes crocuses to break the ground and bloom.
Crocus in West Virginia
If even the wilderness, desert and wastelands will rejoice and blossom with flowers, singing, and joy, then there is hope, relentless hope, in the Lord.
With this news, however dreadful it is, however weak and tired we feel, God still brings strength and courage. Step outside and look if you need a reminder of relentless hope. ~ Anne
Wayfinding 