June 14, 2015 – Isaiah 35:1-3

Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days. The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses. Yes, 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. With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weak knees. Isaiah 35:1-3Restoration.  This describes the restoration of the Israelites by God from her enemies.  A picture of the celebration of the part of earth known as the desert and how it blooms and flourishes under the restorative powers of God.So it is when we are saved from the clutches of sin, we flourish and find joy in a way that God desires for us.  Our lives are painted  with the colors of growth and flowers where there was a desert before.  This flourishing is watered by the living water and the bread of life.  Jesus gives us both through his sacrifice on the cross and his power of our ultimate enemy — death.Each new truth we find in the Word of God adds to the colors God paints in our hearts.  In a land that is parched with sin, we find the living water through Jesus.  Will we drink deeply?  Which do we choose?  It is up to us.   We have the freedom to choose a song or silence, joy or deep sadness, flowers or dry barren sand.Choosing God as our way of life, our way of living leads to Him.  Embedded in Psalm 118 are the words that give us understanding.  The Lord is in control.  When we recognize that, we see the joy that comes from the understanding and acceptance.  And more than that, we view each day – difficult or not — as His Day and His Way.  He teaches us through hardships to rely on him.  He has the power of salvation in His mighty hands.  His love is spelled s-a-l-v-a-t-i-o-n.  If we are but rebellious children, we will not taste the sweet honey of salvation.  Our ultimate prayer is, Lord, please save us.Life in flower garden brings an endless song of deep joy, where life in the parched desert land without God brings only heartache and death.  Which do I choose?This is the day that the Lord has made.  I will be glad and rejoice in it!This is the Lord’s doing, and it is wonderful to see. This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Please, Lord, please save us. Please, Lord, please give us success. Psalm 118:23-25