Isaiah 66:10-14 (NRSV)
Read Isaiah 66:10-14 on biblegateway.com
Verse 10Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice with her in joy, all you who mourn over her- Verse 11that you may nurse and be satisfied from her consoling breast; that you may drink deeply with delight from her glorious bosom. Verse 12For thus says the Lord: I will extend prosperity to her like a river, and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing stream; and you shall nurse and be carried on her arm, and dandled on her knees. Verse 13As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem. Verse 14You shall see, and your heart shall rejoice; your bodies shall flourish like the grass; and it shall be known that the hand of the Lord is with his servants, and his indignation is against his enemies.
Devotion
Lily, an eleven-year-old girl, walked into my counseling office attached to her father’s side. As I greeted Lily, she gazed first at her father, looking for approval, and then smiled at me. This being my first visit with Lily, the time was spent getting to know each other. As I asked Lily questions, she turned to her father to share the answer humbly and quietly with him, looking him in the eye. When Lily thought she had not answered the questions correctly, she cried. I quickly learned about the fragile self-esteem of Lily. I wanted to share with Lily that she was good enough, but that confidence would come only through the long road of counseling. I find many people at the core of who they are do not feel they are good enough, are unworthy of God’s Grace and mercy, rather than the beneficiaries of God’s free abundant love.
Prayer
Guide and protect us this day as we journey through life. Let us have the words of comfort for those who need a message of hope and encouragement. Amen.