As we venture back into our world, with every step, the smallest of things bring much joy. Sunshine on our faces, being allowed to leave our homes for the outdoors, the sound of birds singing and playing. Huge things also bring such joy. Anticipated time with loved ones, the hope of worshipping together as one body, praising our Lord with songs and hymns, the future hope of a vaccine or cure form this virus, being able to serve our neighbors in need, a time to embrace and hug or shake hands. What a time this will be.
As we go about our day to day in this new normal, Ecclesiastes 3 comes to mind:
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.
a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down, and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time for love and a time for hate,
a time for war and a time for peace”
God saw this time before it ever was. This is a time to remember our GOD is in control. He will show us the way. As we begin to safely and wisely take baby steps towards our “new normal”, lets pray with Isaiah for our “sorrow and sighing to flee” and “everlasting joy” to be ours. Let’s pray God show us the way and we do all things according to his perfect timing. May his wisdom be our companion during these trying times.
Isaiah 35:10
And those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing, everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?
+ Who is the Lord has rescuing in Isaiah 35:10?
+ How is the Lord rescuing you today?
+ Where are the rescued of the Lord returning to in Isaiah 35:10
+ What is one way you can return to the Lord?
+ What earthly Zion is referred to in the passage of Isaiah?
+ Where is our eternal Zion?
+ Jesus is our crown of everlasting joy. How can a crown of everlasting joy impact your day to day walk with Jesus?
+ How will this crown impact your witness to our world in regards to COVID-19? Social Unrest?
+ Why is a life of everlasting joy so important for every believer?
+ What does our walk with Jesus look like when we live it out with “gladness and joy”?
+ Jesus said we are the light of the world and the salt of the earth. How does this joy relate to both of these metaphors?
[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?
+ Is there a sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ When we enter our Lord’s presences through song and worship, he fills our soul with power and strength. How might GOD be calling you to obedience through your worship?
[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?
+ What is my next step?
+ How might the joy of Jesus impact my witness to this person?
+ Who can I/we pray for to be open to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in my/our witness
+ Who might I/we be a witness to this week?