In the darkest of times, it is important to keep a sound of praise in our mouth. Why? Because God is ALWAYS good no matter the circumstances. Here are some words of encouragement for you today from Isaiah 51 and 49.
Sorrow and sighing will flee away
This passage of scripture was originally a promise to Israel after their period of exile in Babylon and the revealing of the long-awaited Messiah. Whenever we see Zion mentioned in the Bible it is a type of the glorious Church of our Lord Jesus Christ. Promises for Zion belong to us too. Claim them!
So the ransomed of the Lord will return
And come with joyful shouting to Zion,
And everlasting joy will be on their heads.
They will obtain gladness and joy,
And sorrow and sighing will flee away.
Isaiah 51:11, NASB
Joy is our portion in Christ and one of the fruits of the Spirit. The joy of the Lord is our strength (Neh. 8:10). As we press into His presence during difficult seasons, our joy will abound and overflow. If we want to confuse the devil in this season, we need to find a hallelujah!
He is comforting His people
While we are definitely exhorted to persevere through trying circumstances, it does not remove our humanity. We FEEL. It’s not wrong to have feelings. God has feelings. However, during these dark days, it is really important to press into the comfort of the Holy Spirit and shake off the fear of man.
I, even I, am He who comforts you.
Who are you that you are afraid of man who dies
And of the son of man who is made like grass,
That you have forgotten the Lord your Maker,
Who stretched out the heavens
And laid the foundations of the earth,
That you fear continually all day long because of the fury of the oppressor,
As he makes ready to destroy?
But where is the fury of the oppressor?
Isaiah 51:12-13, NASB
The fear of man brings a snare (Prov. 29:25). There is certainly an oppressing, dark force behind some of the current political and social rhetoric in the West. We must not allow ourselves to be intimidated by these spiritual powers operating in man. Speak the truth in love and exercise wisdom but resist intimidation in the Name of Jesus.
Man is also not our source and supply. Neither is he our solace and comfort. We must seek the Lord for comfort and provision. HE is our provider.
He has put His word in our mouth
The Lord has put a fresh sound into the mouths of His people. It is a sound resounding throughout the whole earth at present. It is important to continue to release this sound, particularly against the deceptive seduction of Jezebel and witchcraft.
I have put My words in your mouth and have covered you with the shadow of My hand, to establish the heavens, to found the earth, and to say to Zion, ‘You are My people’.
Isaiah 51:16, NASB
We do not need to fear the machinations of Jezebel. The greater One lives in us (1 John 4:4) and we belong to Him. I do not like to throw the term ‘Jezebel’ around lightly. It is sometimes overused. However, there is a clear agenda from this ruling spirit over the nations of the West at present. Our divine strategy is a sound in our mouth released in prayer and praise. It comes from the secret place with Him. I believe many of us will be receiving divine prayer strategies in our sleep over the coming month. The Word of God in your mouth is a sword. Never forget it!
The Lord is contending for His people
No matter the opposition we may be feeling right now, the Lord is fighting for us.
For I will contend with the one who contends with you.
Isaiah 49:25b, NASB
So many of us are battle-weary and tired. Resting and abiding in Him is more important now than ever before. We must learn in this season to work from a place of divine rest. Ultimately, the battle belongs to the Lord. I pray for wisdom in this hour to discern when to pick up your sword and fight and when to lean back into Him and rest.
No matter what we see with our eyes right now, we have cause to be joyful. In fact, I feel it is imperative for the people of God to rejoice right now with hope in our hearts for a bright future. Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus and continue to pray and contend for what is to come.
Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12, AMPC
Blessings,
Naomi Byers