HIGHLIGHT
Isaiah 49:13 (ESV): 13 Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on his afflicted.
EXPLAIN
At Isaiah 49:8, God began to speak of the restoration of Israel. He pictured the people as captives freed, who would walk down the highway to their homeland. The sun and wind would not scorch them. They would find good in the land as they went. God himself would lead them.
And so God told the heavens and the mountains to sing for joy.
But in verse 14 God spoke of the people’s response at hearing this promise. They would say God had forgotten them. God answered in return that just like a mother cannot forget her baby, so God could not forget his people.
APPLY
For various reasons, we may think at times that God has forgotten us. But we can know that this is not true. Rather, we can sing for joy for the comfort God will bring to us.
RESPOND
Heavenly Father, in times of testing and trial keep our faith in you strong. Help us to remember how you have dealt with your people through the ages and may we look to you expectantly, with joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.