Joy in ChaosÖrnek

I wish I could cry. I haven’t shed tears easily since I went through menopause years ago. As the world’s problems overwhelm me, I weep inside. Pain, heartbreak, fear, violence, hatred, lies, and discord are sweeping the planet. It’s always been so but seems worse right now, maybe because no incident goes unnoticed. We’re all expected to bear the weight of worldwide sorrow and distress. Isaiah prophesied during a time when God’s people were disobedient and stubborn. They’d turned to idol worship and forgot who they were. Isaiah told them judgment was coming and predicted their captivity by Assyria. But he also predicted the coming Messiah would bring salvation and one day would restore all things (Isaiah 11 and 12). When Jesus returns, He will renew all creation, erase suffering forever, establish His kingdom, and make all things right. Of course, the people will “shout aloud and sing for joy!” Can you imagine? All things restored! Until then, we celebrate the salvation we have now (Isaiah 12:3) and with faith anticipate His return.  We focus on unseen spiritual reality, not circumstances (2 Corinthians 4:18). What a day for rejoicing! As we wait for that day, how can you focus on joy? ~ Susan Aken There is an audio attachment for this devotional. You can [ download the audio ](https://plan-audio-cdn.youversionapi.com/uploads/supplemental-audio/d8ffe72d-06ca-414f-b7e2-0d634bf34c4f.mp3) if you wish.