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.” Isa. 51:11–12
Father, this passage blasts our hearts with great hope, and invites us to fresh joy. No matter what else is going on in our lives, because the Gospel is true, we have already been ransomed, rescued, and redeemed.
Nothing will keep us from arriving safely Home. The saints in heaven are certainly more joyful than we are; but they’re not more yours, secure, and loved than we are.
Being “crowned with everlasting joy”—what’s that going to be like—a coronation of giddiness? And what will it sound like when our voice blends in with the every-nation family of God, as we enter the New Jerusalem together? Talk about “blended worship”!
We know what it feels like to be overtaken by guilt and shame, but we can hardly imagine being overtaken by “gladness and joy.” Our present standing in grace will lead to eternal dancing in grace—even for we non-dancers.
We await the Day when all “sorrow and sighing will flee” (not saunter or casually stroll) away. Thank you for being the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort 24/7 to us. Forgive us for bypassing you, seeking our comfort elsewhere. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ tender and triumphant name.