“For since the beginning of the world
Men have not heard nor perceived by the ear,
Nor has any eye seen any God besides You,
Who acts for the one who waits for Him.
You meet him who rejoices and does righteousness,
Who remembers You in Your ways.”
In the past I haven’t really had any sort of “theme verse” or any such thing that I’ve returned to during the year for comfort. However, right at the end of 2019, I read Isaiah 35:10 - And the ransomed of the Lord shall return / and come to Zion with singing; / everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; / they shall obtain gladness and joy, / and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. I was immediately drawn to this verse because 2019 had brought much anguish for some close friends. I sort of adopted this as my “go to” verse for 2020, reflecting on it myself and sharing it with others when appropriate. So as 2020 drew to a close, I kept my eyes open for another verse that might serve the same purpose.
While I can’t say that Isaiah 64:4-5 has struck me with as much force as Isaiah 35:10, I think it will serve as a touchstone for the year to come. These lines emphasize the relational aspect of God, how he dwells among his people through the Holy Spirit, and also reminds me how special that is. God meets with people and acts on their behalf… think Romans 8:31-39.
I am also reminded of my own ability to quench the Holy Spirit through my sin. In fact, the latter part of verse 5 says “You are indeed angry, for we have sinned— / In these ways we continue; / And we need to be saved.” Thank God that In Christ Jesus there is an eternal redemption available for all who will believe, for all who will call on Jesus for salvation.
I don’t know if 2021 will hold the same challenges as 2020 did, but I do know that it will contain some kind of challenge for, as Jesus said, in this world you will have trouble. I do know that Jesus has promised to never leave us or forsake us. God will meet with and act for those who are his.