I’ve been reading through Isaiah in this season. I needed to hear some promises prior to leaving the U.S. again. I returned to Burundi earlier this month and my reentry surprised me. I felt optimistic. What was that feeling??? Things appeared to be the same from when I left in March, but something felt different as I rode from the airport to my apartment. It felt as if something was about to “spring up.” Something was about to launch. What does that mean? I dunno, but His promises were a good place to begin a search.
Isaiah 26:7-8 NIV
The path of the righteous is level; you, the Upright One, make the way of the righteous smooth.
Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you, your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.
I wait on You, Yahweh. You make my path smooth. That’s how you led me here. I’ve used the word ‘gentle’ to describe my journey to this country. I get distracted and irritated by human processes and messiness, but You have always made the way. My own insecurities get in the way of what You want to show me. You are my desire. You are the goal.
Isaiah 33:5 NIV
The Lord is exalted, for he dwells on high; he will fill Zion with his justice and righteousness.
You do the filling. You restore. You command justice for the outcast. You set all things right. I try to control and do what I think is best but often it spins me in too many directions. It is not for me to dole out. Help me to get out of the way and let You do the work. When the speed of change is too slow for my liking, may Your patience rest on me.
Isaiah 45:8 NIV
You heavens above, rain down righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness grow with it; I, the Lord, have created it.
May You grow Your creation and spring up optimism, expectancy, and hope. Wash away the apathy and despair that can surround me when all things seem broken.
