Read Isaiah 40:1-11.
The wilderness is nothing short of miraculous.
Noah experienced 40 days without land. Israel traversed through rough terrain and harsh conditions for 40 years. And then, in the times of the prophets, there was an exile to a domineering nation.
And yet, in every instance, God promised deliverance. In the case of the exile, Isaiah foretold the return - that in the desert, a highway would be made for the Lord.
On one hand, this is a beautiful image of exiles returning home after years of captivity. But on the other hand, there is something much more profound and hopeful in this vision: specifically, that God Himself will walk through the wilderness with us.
Why would God choose the wilderness as a dwelling place? It may seem counterintuitive that a holy God would desire to come into a ruthless and sinful space. But look at what Isaiah says: “Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low.” God enters into the broken places in our world and makes them holy!
Think back to a time you have experienced “the wilderness” (it may even be right now!) - while you likely didn’t see a way out when you were in it, God’s love illuminates everything brought into His light. In fact, anything that is brought into His light becomes a light itself: even our worst decisions and greatest fears (see Ephesians 5:13). So while we all face hardship, God uses that time to make even the darkest parts of our lives holy! Another way to think about our seasons of wilderness: God reframes our question “Why is this happening to me?” into “Why is this happening for me?”
Isaiah’s response to this great news follows: “Lift up your voice with a shout… ‘Here is your God!’” The natural consequence of good news is worship! So even in the midst of your tough decisions and circumstances, remember what God has done and thank Him for his faithfulness and for imparting His wisdom as He walks with you. Praise be to God for this wonderful gift of hope!
Written by Josh Clugston
