Gentleness as a way of being bears the light of Yahweh’s radiant glory. His tenderness trickles into our souls as we rest our head upon His chest and enjoy the healing power of being known, of being held just as we are. We begin to sense the easing of the crooked places within us as His gentleness does its powerful work. Our frailty matters less to us as we walk, step by step, with our God on a road whose ruggedness seems less daunting. As His gentleness begins to gather upon our own faces, “Comfort, comfort” reaches out to those we meet along the way, allowing it to spreads its wings and start afresh in another. Oh the beauty of Yahweh’s radiant glory.
– Brenda Henry
Isaiah 40:1-11 (The Passion Translation)
Your God says to you:
“Comfort, comfort my people with gentle, compassionate words.
Speak tenderly from the heart to revive those in Jerusalem,
and proclaim that their warfare is over.
Her debt of sin is paid for, and she will not be treated as guilty.
Prophesy to her that she has received from the hand of Yahweh
twice as many blessings as all her sins.”
A thunderous voice cries out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way for Yahweh’s arrival!
Make a highway straight through the desert for our God!
Every valley will be raised up, every mountain brought low.
The rugged terrain will become level ground and the rough places a plain.
Then Yahweh’s radiant glory will be unveiled, and all humanity will experience it together.
Believe it, for Yahweh has spoken his decree!”
A voice says, “Cry out!” And I ask, “What should I say?”
“All people are as frail as grass, and their elegance is like a wilting wildflower.
The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of Yahweh blows upon it;
the people are just like grass!
But even though grass withers and the flower fades, the word of our God stands strong forever!”
Go up on a high mountain, you joyful messengers of Zion, and lift up your voices with power.
You who proclaim joyous news to Jerusalem, shout it out and don’t be afraid.
Say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!”
Look! Here comes Lord Yahweh as a victorious warrior; he triumphs with his awesome power.
Watch as he brings with him his reward and the spoils of victory to give to his people.
He will care for you as a shepherd tends his flock,
gathering the weak lambs and taking them in his arms.
He carries them close to his heart and gently leads those that have young.
For Reflection and Prayer:
Was there a word, a phrase, image, or feeling that ‘shimmered’ as you listened? Allow it to land in your heart. Stay with it. Savor it.
Reflect on what you heard. What effect does it have on you? What meaning does it hold for you? What does the Holy Spirit seem to be conveying to you? Talk it over in your prayer. Perhaps you want to draw or color your prayer or journal the conversation.
As the time of prayer comes to a close, share some moments of quiet with Jesus, simply resting safely in his presence.
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