“Stop what you are doing, take an unrushed look, and get it deep into your heart! I am creating new heavens and a new earth—not as a replacement but as a radical healing, expanding, and flourishing of my original creation. I want you to rejoice with all your being—now in hope and on that Day in fullness.
Old Jerusalem will shed her “skin” and the New Jerusalem will emerge as an eternal domain of consummate happiness and beauty. Everyone who lives there will be a joy and give joy to each other. I myself will be chief Rejoicer and will delight in my whole family with a joy you cannot imagine. Never again will the sound of weeping and crying will be heard.” A theological paraphrase of Isaiah. 65:17–19
Heavenly Father, I’ve read this portion of your Word before, many times. I’ve preached this text, prayed it, and shared it with others. But with timeliness, freshness, and sweetness it is reading me today, more than I’m reading it. Like the rest of your Word—these words from Isaiah speak to my emotional exhaustion, voice my deepest longings, and pour grace-fuel into my hope tank.
And even sweeter, I know I’m not alone. I know there are others who join me in this daily prayer blog who are also asking, crying, praying, “How long, O Lord?” Our stories and messes differ, but we all long for the fullness of everything you have promised us through Jesus. We love the incredible “downpayment” and firstfruits of Jesus’ first arrival. And now we groan inwardly and wait eagerly for the “whole enchilada”—everything you promised about our coming life in the new heaven and new earth. Truly, how long, O Lord?
Father, you know the disruptive ache of the past 20 months for me, and the emotional rollercoaster I’ve been riding as someone who hates all theme park rides. You know my second-guessing, self-protecting, and conflict avoidant ways. And you love me. And you love my friends. And you will make all things new and. beautiful. We love you, Abba. So Very Amen.