Isaiah 12

Isaiah 12:1 NIV

In that day you will say:
"I will praise you, Lord.
Although you were angry with me,
your anger has turned away
and you have comforted me.

This chapter is a short psalm of praise. Twice in these 6 short verses we find the phrase, "In that day you will say..." This is not a song of praise based on God's present deliverance, but on his future deliverance and blessing. That is faith. That is hope and expectation. That is looking at a world facing destruction with eyes that see beyond the pain to the hope.

This is a short chapter, but it is a reminder that as a people of God we walk by faith, not by sight. It is so easy to be overwhelmed with the pain of the present. It is so easy to become discouraged with what our eyes see and our ears hear. The present is more real to us than the future, but the future lasts longer. The long term future is bright for those who hope in God. Believers have the assurance that God is working a higher purpose and that "joy comes in the morning." We claim to be people of faith, but I fear that we more often live as people of the present.

Father, forgive me for my own lack of faith. Thank you for your faithfulness in the past and for your promises of blessing in the future. Today may I live as one who has hope beyond today and beyond this life.

By His grace,
Rick Weinert
District Superintendent
EFCA Northern Mtn District