April 3, 2001
You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.
Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree,
and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.
This will be for the LORD's renown, for an everlasting sign,
which will not be destroyed."
Isaiah 55:12-13
These two verses are a beautiful follow up to the two that precede them. The promise here is what will happen when we do allow God's word to work on our hearts.. when we allow him to heal our lives through his word this is the result.. the natural fruit.. we move on from that place in our lives.. full of joy and at peace. God uses the word 'will' six times in these verses -- great promises about what HE WILL DO in our lives... all we have to do is cling to him and his word.. for a long time, yes... but he will work in answer to those requests. All of nature rejoices at what God does.. he promises to take thornbushes and instead bring forth pine trees... big, lush, expansive green growth that will grow tall and strong and always be a powerful reminder of what God has done. Instead of briers, which flourish when there is a desert or a lack of life -- instead God will cause myrtle trees to grow. The myrtle tree under favorable conditions would grow to a considerable height. "It has dark green, scented leaves, delicate starry white flowers and dark-colored berries, which are eaten. " God can take the barren places in the world and in our lives and cause beautiful growth!! Why... it is for his renown.. that people will look at what's happened in our lives and stand in awe of God!