Carol J German

Everyone faces trials and tribulations of some kind. While we tend to balk at God for things that disrupt our days, they are actually good for us. We have the God who can take the very things that cause us to have meltdowns and redirect our attention to Him. We are more apt to see His presence when we are faced with illnesses, setbacks, uncertainties. We are more likely to listen to what He wants to tell us when our plans gets a bit disheveled.

There the Lord will display His Glory, the splendor of of our God (Isaiah 35:2).

Life is challenging for all of us. Today, I can’t shake a cold. Was hoping for my doctor to call me in some antibiotics but she’s out of the office. I have to see someone else tomorrow. My brother-in-law had to call an ambulance for his father. His heart is giving him issues. My sister-in-law, who’s birthday is today, is sitting home alone because the sewer is getting fixed. The yard and driveway are dug up. She’s become a widow almost 16 months ago. A woman threw her back out and needs to get to the doctor. Another is trying different things to relieve pain in her back. An older woman is getting over pink eye.

Amidst the chaos that life throws at us, we have HOPE that actually makes facing tough times seem not as bleak. This HOPE is Jesus Christ. Because of His glorious endeavor over 2,000 years ago, we have HOPE amidst the chaos! His resurrection brought on a whole new way to live. Despite our lives soaked in sin, Jesus’ redemptive work has made it possible to walk in newness as we trudge through life. Read 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 2:20, and Ezekiel 36:26-27 for added encouragement.

Isaiah 35 is a beautiful passage of the HOPE amidst the chaos that life throws at us on this side of heaven. There’s a new way to live according to these 10 verses. Newness abounds when the Lord is present in all circumstances. Even in tough, uncertain times, gladness can be seen as well as rejoicing in what God is doing in you and around you; see verse 1. New, spiritual growth becomes evident when we turn to God and ask Him for help. He gladly steps in to help you in your circumstances.

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths; see Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV.

In verse 10, Isaiah tells of the beautiful work that God does for His children. In Christ, you are made new, reread the above scriptures I gave, and understand that you walk on new paths like you are entering Jerusalem, God’s holy city. You will be singing for God as He crowns you with everlasting joy. He removes any sorrow that you have.

He becomes your joy and hope. You are able to live this way amidst the chaos because of Christ’s presence!

And in this wonderful state of walking in holiness, you will be able to strengthen those around you with tired hands. God will give you words of encouragement for those with weak knees. You will be able to tell those with fearful hearts, “Be strong and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies! He is coming to save you.”⁴

When we become His light to others, God can open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf. Those who are lame will able to leap like deer, and those who cannot speak can sing for joy! God can and does change lives everyday. He gives streams of water that will refresh you in whatever chaos you are facing. He will satisfy you. He places, amidst your chaos, a road that is now called the Highway of Holiness; see verse 8. “Only the redeemed will walk on it.”⁹ No dangers will lurk when you walk in the Most High’s ways. Every one of us needs to be ransomed by the Lord; see verse 10.

Newness in the most wonderful life ever offered to sinful man abounds when the Lord is present! Whatever you are facing, know that God is with you, for you, and fights for you every step of the way. There is no chaos that God can’t handle. There is no darkness that His light cannot penetrate. God protects His children as He lead them home to Himself. Seek the HOPE that is at hand and let God raise you up from all your trials and tribulations.