Isaiah 24:14-16a They raise their voices, they shout for joy;
from the west they acclaim the LORD’s majesty.
Therefore in the east give glory to the LORD;
exalt the name of the LORD, the God of Israel,
in the islands of the sea.
From the ends of the earth we hear singing:
“Glory to the Righteous One.”

This passage is loved by those who are on fire for world evangelism, but it is interesting to note that it is in the middle of a long passage about the devastation of the earth. That should be a reminder that sometimes, what we see as tragedy isn’t necessarily that, and what we see as desirable can be a snare. I’m reminded of the story in 1 Kings 14 about the death of the young son of King Jeroboam, in which the Lord says through the prophet Ahijah that the boy was taken to spare him the calamity that was going to come on the nation. The fact of the matter is that we simply don’t know what’s really going on, because apart from special revelation, we only see the material world within our time frame. That’s why it is so important to fix our eyes on Jesus: only He can give us an accurate perspective on things. Hebrews 12:2-3 is justly famous as an admonition to do that, but Hebrews 2:8-9 explains the “why” of that a bit more. We don’t see things lining up with the character of God. In fact, we see things that tend to drive us to despair, just as Isaiah experienced. However we can, by faith, see Jesus, and that vision should generate peace and joy that can’t be explained by the world, or really by human logic. That’s what Paul was talking about when he spoke of “a peace that surpasses human understanding.” (Philippians 4:7)

Well! I certainly didn’t expect to write that when I chose the verses I did! I’ve been in yet another training period on this issue recently, which is a strong reminder of the unreliability of human perceptions and emotions. I need to fix my eyes on Christ better and better, so that I may rejoice in Him regardless of how things look to my natural being. The Lord was gracious enough to tell me personally several years ago that He isn’t at all happy with much of what goes on in the world, but that doesn’t mean for a moment that He isn’t still in charge, or that He isn’t going to work everything out. Even so, I have gotten tied in knots repeatedly over all sorts of things, instead of resting, relaxing, and rejoicing, as He has told me to do. I can see this issue clearly when I’m ministering to others, but it seems I suddenly become very nearsighted when it comes to my own life! I need to listen to what the Lord says through me, and not think my sermons are “for those people.” I certainly don’t have the excuse of not knowing God’s Word!

Father, thank You for Your patience with me, and for how gently You guide and correct me. Help me recognize my own inability without You, as well as Your absolute ability within me, so that I will allow You to do in and through me all that You desire and intend, for the blessing of many and for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!