Saturday September 14

Isaiah 54:1- « Sing, oh barren one, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband, says the Lord. »

This verse begins with two words in Hebrew: « rejoice » and « sterile »: These are two extremes in the area of emotions. Nothing brings more sadness than sterility. And yet God promises that even in our greatest sadness, there may be a song of joy rising from our hearts!

Paul, who was no stranger to difficulties, (2 Corinthians 11:23-27) also wrote: « Rejoice always in the Lord, once again I say rejoice … » (Philippians 4:4).

Through these verses, we can say that whatever areas may be sterile in our lives, whatever circumstances we may encounter, whether good or bad, it is always possible for us to rejoice, to sing!! But where does this joy come from?

Jeremiah said, « I have gathered your words, and have devoured them; Your words have brought joy and gladness to my heart; For your name is called upon me, O LORD God of hosts!  » (Jeremiah 15:16)

The Word of God offers us so many promises that have the ability to bring into our hearts this song of joy, of hope and of deliverance … What are the words that create the joy and gladness of our hearts, and which allow us to sing even in difficult times? On the following page, you will find some great promises of the word of God that give you a starting point in your meditation.

When we go through an ordeal, a storm, a trial, a tragedy, or a battle, we will always have the choice to complain about our fate, or to create an attitude of joy in our hearts, meditating on the good promises of God. Are you currently in a difficult time? I encourage you to put your heart before the Lord, and to grasp the joy that comes from his presence.

You will see that even sterile ones can rejoice in the lovingkindness of our God.

Great promises to meditate on:

* ETERNAL Comfort

« May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. » (2 Thes. 2:16-17)

* Hope, the SOURCE of joy!

« May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Rom.15:13)

* JOY, a fruit to develop …

« I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them » (John 17:13)

« Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! »  (Philippiens 4:4)

« But the fruit that the Holy Spirit produces is us is divine love, in all of its various expressions: overflowing joy … » (Gal. 5:22, TPT paraphrase). 

* God sings over us!

« The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)

« Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. »  (Nehemiah 8:10b)

* God changes our desert into springs of water

« He turns a desert into pools of water, a parched land into springs of water. »  (Psalm 107:35)

« Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:19)