Isaiah 51:3  The Lord will comfort Israel again
    and have pity on her ruins.
Her desert will blossom like Eden,
    her barren wilderness like the garden of the Lord.
Joy and gladness will be found there.
    Songs of thanksgiving will fill the air.

Isaiah was an Old Testament prophet that delivered severe messages to the people of Israel due to their sin filled ways.  He also delivered messages of great hope to a people facing God’s discipline which resulted in deportation to Babylon for 70 years.  Isaiah knew that God would bring them back and restore them after their time of discipline.  Isaiah 53 speaks of God’s promise to redeem them and fill them with joy.  He knew that their joy would result in thanksgiving and praise.

Do you cherish the times of restoration given by God?  Do you soak up God’s comfort? The people of Israel allowed God to teach them during their exile so they returned stronger and more fully committed to God.  He gave them words of comfort in their future restoration to give them hope during their exile.  Do you allow God to comfort and restore you?  Are you comforted by God’s grace and mercy? Comfort comes from God to help us through times of trial.   Restoration always results in praise to the Restorer for His grace and mercy.  Let thanksgiving and praise be on your lips as you look to Him with a grateful heart.

Linda