Something To Hold On To

In this comparison, God’s word is like rain and snow — just as persistent and just as effective — to make things grow. God will do what he says he will do, and he intends to make something beautiful grow.

“For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall make a name for the Lord, an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.” Isaiah 55:12-13 ESV

In dramatic fashion, God paints an irresistible picture of the future. Once his beloved went out in shame (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis+3%3A23-24&version=NIV" "target=_blank">Genesis 3:23-24), but in later days they will be led in joyful victory. Cursed ground that bore worthless weeds (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis+3%3A18&version=NIV" "target=_blank">Genesis 3:18) will then bear evergreen trees. Instead of groaning (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+8%3A22&version=NIV" "target=_blank">Romans 8:22) the creation will sing in celebration. This is a picture of the curse reversed and creation renewed.

This future is all we long for. It is our deepest longings put in biblical terms. Nothing in all creation will suffer pain or feel strain forever and ever. But we don’t see it yet. We are still locked in everyday struggles, and the world groans under the weight of sin. We journey on, but this future yet lies beyond the horizon.

Knowing this, God gives us something for faith to hold onto. With each rain shower and blanket of snow, we are reminded that this future will surely come. God will succeed in undoing the curse and renewing all things. This world will not remain as it is. A new creation will be born from the ground. Sorrow will turn to joy. And we will be at peace forever and ever.

Father, thank you for this irresistible picture of the eternal destiny that awaits us. Remind me that I have passed from death to life in Christ, and that the sufferings of the moment are nothing compared to the eternal weight of glory that awaits us.

Throughout This Day: Rejoice often in the full salvation yet to be revealed, but guarantee