Those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. “I, even I, am he who comforts you.” Isaiah 51:11-12
For the past 7 years I’ve spent much time immersed in the pages of Isaiah. The words capture the essence of what I feel—joy, sorrow, hope, struggle, promise and breakthrough. I know the deep ache caused by the circumstances and heartbreak of life. I also know the overwhelming comfort found in the presence of Christ, the tenderness of God, and the availability of Holy Spirit. This week I’ve felt resurgence in the pain of loss, specifically the loss of my dad 10 months ago. I miss him for a million reasons. Most of all, I miss his tender presence in my life. I’ve cried out to the One who heals me, and I’ve felt his comfort abound. God whispers a promise of life to come that inspires joy and diminishes sorrow’s ache.
Pain and death give way to dreams. It is a force capable of breaking me free from the weight of this sadness, taking me from this moment and launching me towards the beautiful plans God set in place since the day he created the world. He has a destiny in mind for me, but sometimes I forget that I’m a dreamer. Instead of partnering with God, I get lost in the motion of the day’s assignments and my feelings. Within that place I must remember to return to the embrace of my Father. He has already rescued me, but I must return my heart to him.
I am comforted as my heavenly Father bends low to this earth and envelops me. He reminds me that through pain and sorrow, joy emerges. I don’t know how he does this. The process is consistently unique. I’ve not discovered a predictable method. All I can say is that Isaiah’s words ring true. God rescues me; everlasting joy adorns my head and fills me from within until it over takes everything that opposes its release. He comforts me.
Today, in the midst of His comfort, I feel a growing excitement about the days ahead. There is LIFE I haven’t lived and there are dreams that still need birthed. Undiscovered beauty lays in wait for me and I am remembering to look for it.
What are you feeling today? Do you need comfort? Maybe you’re desperate for the inspiration of new dreams? God’s arms are always open. He longs to fill you with joy and gladness. It’s a new day; it’s time for sorrow and sighing to flee away. He is the only one who can truly comfort you, redeem your life and restore your joy. Trust him, believe in his deep love for you and place your hope in his hands. Hope will not disappoint you. His face is always turned toward yours—lift your eyes and feel his love. Find the forgotten dreamer and set them free!
Marie Monville 
Marie – what a beautiful post and tribute to your dad. My dad was also one of my best friends. I found safety and security even while realizing his humanity. It has been a lot longer for me (losing my dad).
I struggled my life with infertility and my Dad would always say just accept that it is not God’s will that you have a child. Of course I would not accept that. I knew God had told both my husband and I to not intervene with fertility treatments that HE would be glorified by my conceiving a child (many lost family members that needed to see this miracle since 3 specialists said it would not happen, even not likely with treatment). My dad tried to protect me from disappointments and always said “It is not God’s will – accept it”. I knew he didn’t want his youngest daughter with a broken heart. I instead stood on scripture that said “He takes the barren women . . .”
On his death bed my dad said “I had a dream that you were pregnant” It was like him breaking the curse himself, because within just a few months after his death I was pregnant. I often pondered God why didn’t you let my Dad see this miracle. God whispered to me softly – “I did”. Just as I showed Moses the promise land he could not enter, I showed your dad your son in that dream.
I saw now how kind my Creator, my Heavenly Father is and I knew he was from that point on going to be the arms I ran into.
Mary,
Thank you for sharing your story, it is breathtaking!
A great reminder for me today..and everyday. 🙂
This is exactly what I need today. Am feeling so lost, far from and forgotten by Him. But after reading this I am filled with hope again. I believe I, too, will spend time in Isaiah. Sounds like a remedy for what ails me Be blessed Kate 😀
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