A highway shall be there, and a road, and it shall be called the Highway of Holiness […] Whoever walks the road, although a fool, shall not go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast go up on it; it shall not be found there. But the redeemed shall walk there […] with everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away (Isaiah 35:8-10).
There is a way the Lord makes available to His people that is a safe way. Within that way, no predators can enter; thus, those traveling on that road do not have to worry about being harmed or destroyed. Singing is part and parcel of the highway! Joy and gladness, in abundance, cause all sorrow, sadness, and sighing (in despair or resignation) to flee! Such is the life to which we have been called. Because we are the ransomed of the Lord, because He has paid the price to give us an abundant life, we can live a life free from sorrow while we are on this road which He has prepared. This life is dynamic and powerful because it brings a heavenly reality to the believer even on the earth!
He has carved out a means by which His people will come. He promises to bring His people from every corner: “Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your descendants from the east, and gather you from the west; I will say to the north, ‘give them up!’ And to the south, ‘do not keep them back!’ Bring My sons from afar, and My daughters from the ends of the earth’” (Isaiah 43:5-6). Perhaps your loved ones who up to now have been resistant will now be summoned to draw near to Him.
As His people will come, He has prepared us to embrace them with His mercy, grace, and truth. Each one of you is an important part of this season. As one already planted in the house of the Lord, you will continue to flourish here as the Lord promises you in Psalm 92:13, and you will be a part of others’ flourishing here as well. Within you, God has placed talents, skills, and experience that will bring greater fullness to the church as you find your place of ministry. Step forward today! As you do, I encourage you to remember the Word of the Lord in Isaiah 43: 18-21: “Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert […] to give drink to My people, My chosen. This people I have formed for Myself; they shall declare My praise.”