It was always a crazy day. The last day of school. Kids went wild. Teachers went wild. Everybody was excited. Summer was here. "Schools out. Schools out. Teachers let the monkeys out." Yahoooooo! No more rules. No more classes. No more homework. We're free. As the clock ticked down to the final bell, the anticipation only heightened. RING! Boom! Everyone ran out of the room, down the hall and through the doors. The cry of Martin Luther King was heard echoing across the playground, "Free at last. Free at last. Thank God, we're free at last."
As a kid, there was nothing like the exhilaration of being out of school for the summer. Now we could ride our bikes, play in the creek, explore the woods, catch crawdads, build a tree house and wear shorts. (Had to wear dress clothes to school back then.) Nothing could be more fulfilling than a summer's day. What a joyous, carefree time.
That's the scene Isaiah paints in today's verses. He talks about what it is like when God gets involved in your life. The Israelites had forsaken God and experienced life without God. He describes the renewal that happens when people return to God. Restoring a relationship with God or beginning a relationship with God changes one's perspective. It gives one a new leash on life. There's an inner joy that happens when you truly know Him and experience His grace and forgiveness.
I've met a lot of people who experience the drudgery of life. There's no joy, no inner peace, constant stress. Some self medicate with alcohol, drugs, work, sex or a variety of other means. Some fight chronic medical or health issues. Some bounce from relationship to relationship, usually unhealthy ones. Some live in depression or bitterness or just hate the world. Others just try to muddle through.
Not everyday in Christ is joyful bliss. But everyday in Christ is hope and promise and assurance and inner joy. As you experience the presence and grace of God, life emerges with a new view. There is nothing like being right with God. Tired of the drudgery, fatigue, depression? It's time to seek God's renewal, refreshment and restoration. Let the time of rejoicing begin.
God, thanks for turning my mourning into gladness. Thanks for the springs of refreshing waters that flow in the desert times. Thanks for being an oasis in life.
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