The Mountains … Will Break Into Shouts of Joy
Isaiah 55:12 God’s creation rejoices, and so should we!
“For you will go out with joy And be led forth with peace; The mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you, And all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”
Isaiah 55:12 NASB1995
Our church Bible In One Year program recently completed study of the Book of Isaiah, and I have to say that it is probably one of my favorite Old Testament books. Not only does Isaiah prophesy the Babylonian exile and the coming of the Messiah with amazing accuracy, but the book is beautifully written.
Today’s verse is one example of Isaiah’s prose, with some delightful imagery describing God’s creation rejoicing along with the people of Israel. The entire chapter is an invitation to the people to receive the glory of the Lord’s restoration.
As with much of Isaiah’s writing, in this chapter he tells the people that there is a way for this to happen: seek God, repent of your sins, and change your ways for good. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? We Christians have the same invitation to seek God, repent of our sins, and change our ways, and we receive the glory of the Lord’s restoration through Jesus — joy, peace, and eternal life.
This verse is near the end of the chapter, and reminds the people of Israel that when they turn to God, listen to Him, and let His Word do His work in them, they receive joy and peace. How much joy? Even the mountains, hills, and trees join in rejoicing!
As I wrote this, a small thunderstorm blew through the area, and I could vividly imagine the thunder as God’s mountains and hills shouting loudly with joy. The trees were waving in the wind, as if they were clapping their hands!
God’s timing, as usual, was perfect.
Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:
Dear God, I confess my need for You, and for Your Spirit to continue filling my life with peace and joy. Help me daily to recognize You above all else, and to open my heart to see You and Your work in my life. I ask for Your grace and mercy, and pray that when dark times come, You will see me through to more joyful and peaceful seasons. In the name of Jesus I pray, AMEN.