“The Lord will guide continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well and a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring” Isaiah 58:11
When I read this verse in Isaiah, at first I thought to myself “Really? I don't feel this way. In fact, my heart is torn in pieces, my tears are all dried up, and my prayers have little to offer my Lord.” Can you relate?
But I love how this scripture starts off with a promise, that God Himself will guide us continually. This gives us all HOPE in our darkest valley!
As you know, both 2020 and 2021 have been difficult for many and have stretched most of us out of our comfort zones. We have been left confused, uncomfortable, and often undone. I would love to say that it was simply last year that greeted me this way; however, my season of unease came long before then and the ensuing lock down. I'm not sure about you. Has this past year been a time of seemingly unrelenting pain? If so, when would you say your season of discomfort began? Has sorrow taken you under like a rip current and carried you out to the deep sea?
Friends, many of us have felt isolated, confused, and exhausted, or have recently experienced major changes in our normal daily routines. These feelings have been accentuated by uncertainty because we have been instructed not to gather together like we once did. There is a new normal in schools and communities, and even for worship services. Job losses have resulted in financial instability, too. Fear and confusion have moved in; and with the loss of connection, many personal relationships have suffered greatly. All of these personal trials (if allowed) can divide and tear families apart. For myself, at times I've seemed to be more frail than ever — so frustrated and nearly defeated.
Do we really believe that God not only CAN but WILL restore our strength and give us peace in times of such weariness? If so, this is for you!
God Will Restore Your Strength
One day recently I discovered this passage in Isaiah 35:3-4,10. It reads:
“Make the weak arms strong again. Strengthen the weak knees. People are afraid and confused. Say to them, 'Be strong! Don’t be afraid! Look, your God will come and punish your enemies. He will come and give you your reward. He will save you'...The Lord will make his people free...They will be happy forever. Their happiness will be like a crown on their heads. Gladness and joy will fill them completely. Sorrow and sadness will be far, far away!” (ERV)
Does this scripture passage resonate with your soul and give you hope? Reading these words so encouraged me. For after having many household struggles — such as the loss of structure and normal routine for my kids — I really needed this Word from the Lord.
Yet the onslaught continued. You see, personally, one in our own family recently struggled with an ongoing addiction. Earlier, this March we experienced the passing of my father. He was everything to me: strong, powerful, courageous, and kind. But his final wonderful words were "love" and "unity." Though our entire family was devastated as he took his last breath and entered the gates of heaven, while I stood there in the midst of my deepest sorrow, grief, and despair, a rush of joy came over me. I knew my dad was now safe in the arms of Jesus!
Then it really hit me — “I am not alone.” Many of you are right now similarly exhausted and brought to the point of despair. So, what is the answer? Is there really an answer?
You Will Be Like A Well: Even A Well-Watered Garden
In my weakest hour, as desperate as I was, I cried out from the depths of my soul. And, praise God! There King Jesus met me and gave me a Word that filled me up like a well-watered garden! I was again reminded of this passage in Isaiah:
“The Lord will guide continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well and a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring”
Isaiah 58:11
In such times, our choice must be to face the pain, lean into the discomfort of the disappointment, sorrow, and grief. We must allow ourselves the freedom to embrace these uncomfortable emotions rather than covering them up. So often we hide behind these feelings either through working, drinking, exercising, using prescription drugs, or even going to church more. How much do you try to control your external environment in an attempt to keep your emotions at bay?
Do we believe that we can be a well-watered garden or remain dry and brittle? For He is the Great Comforter. If we choose to press into Him and give Him our shattered heart with a sacrifice of praise, He promises to give us water when we are dry and restore our strength!
Even in Psalms 23 we find this in the Passion Translation:
“The LORD, our friend offers a resting place for me in his luxurious love. His tracks take me to an oasis of peace near the quiet brook of bliss. That’s where he restores and revives my life.”
Our Heavenly Father longs to give us supernatural peace and an unshakable joy.
“The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 14:17
For me these scripture passages breathe life into my weak, frail body and make me a well-watered garden. And when I am out in the deep ocean of despair, He will guide me, deliver me, and restore my soul.
We Receive New Mercies Every Day!
Thank God that He has made provision for us for every season of our lives, in good times and bad; and truly He is trustworthy!
“Certainly the faithful love of the LORD hasn't ended; certainly God's compassion isn't through! They are renewed every morning. Great is your faithfulness. I think: The LORDis my portion! Therefore, I'll wait for him. The LORD is good to those who hope in him, to the person who seeks Him.”
Lamentations 3:22-25 (CEV)
“The Lord God of Israel will lead and protect you from enemy attacks.”
Isaiah 52:12b (CEV)
“Look how you’ve made all your devoted lovers to flourish like palm trees, each one growing in victory, standing with strength! You’ve transplanted the godly into your heavenly courtyard, where they are thriving before you, for in your presence they will still overflow and be anointed. Even in their old age they will stay fresh, bearing luscious fruit and abiding faithfully. Listen to them! With pleasure they still proclaim: ‘You’re so good! You’re my beautiful strength! You’ve never made a mistake with me.’”
Psalms 92:13-16 (TPT)
So, remember this: we believers in Jesus can be strengthened daily and encouraged in the core of our beings. Receive for yourself these words which the Apostle Paul wrote in his Epistles:
“So I’m not defeated by my weakness, but delighted! For when I feel my weakness and I’m surrounded with troubles on every side... I am made yet stronger. For my weakness becomes a portal to God’s power.”
2 Corinthians 12:10 (TPT)
“I find that the strength of Christ’s explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty.”
Philippians 4:13b (TPT)
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise — the fruit of our lips that openly profess his name.”
