July 5, 2025 - Isaiah 25-27

“O LORD, you are my God;

      I will exalt you; I will praise your name,

                  for you have done wonderful things,

      plans formed of old, faithful and sure” (25:1).

From time to time all of us face hardships and disappointments.  Some of these situations are quite significant and serve as major turning points in our lives.  I recently was talking with a friend who, though going through a difficult time, spoke so hopefully about the time to come.  He said something about “compartmentalizing” the hard times and recognizing that they are but steps along the path to a glorious and joyous life with God throughout all eternity.  Now, THAT’S perspective, isn’t it?  Isaiah knew a God whose plans for his people were “formed of old, faithful and sure.”  Sort of reminds us of Paul’s testimony:  “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18).  Oh my, what we have to look forward to!  And that sure hope sustains us through all the terrors and anxieties this life can throw at us.

He keeps me every moment

By trusting in His grace;

’Tis through His blest atonement,

That I may see His face.

He brings me through affliction,

He leaves me not alone;

He’s with me in temptation,

He keeps me for His own.

It is truly wonderful

What the Lord has done!

It is truly wonderful!

It is truly wonderful!

It is truly wonderful

What the Lord has done!

Glory to His name.   --Barney Elliott Warren (1897)