Revive My Heart In This Desert Place

Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days. The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses. Yes there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy! The desert will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon, as lovely as Mount Carmel or the Plain of Sharon. There the Lord will display his glory, the splendor of our God. Isaiah 35:1-2

For the last few months, my life has felt like a wilderness- one I've settled in and "pitched my tent" in and gotten comfortable. I've let myself get comfortable, gave myself permission to settle in and unpack on that parched desert floor.

How much I need Jesus to come in like a spring rain and turn my wasteland to green plains. To revive my heart like a flower in the heat of summer. To bring joy and singing to my weary heart.

With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weak knees. Say to the fearful hearts, "Be strong and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you."  Isaiah 35:3-4

Your God is coming, he's coming to save you. He's on His way, he will not leave you in a wasteland of pain and sorrow. He's here, to refresh your tired hands and strengthen your weakened knees and to whisper to your fearful heart "Be strong,". He's here to fight your battles, to take those burdens off our shoulders. Lean into Him, open your heart to His presence and let Him revive your heart.

...Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the wasteland. The parched ground will become a pool and springs of water will satisfy the thirsty land. Marsh grass and reeds and rushes will flourish where desert jackals once lived. Isaiah 35:6-7

How beautiful is that verse? Springs will gush forth in the wilderness... streams will water the wasteland... the parched ground will become a pool... springs will satisfy the thirsty land. Plants will flourish where nothing would grow before.

Father, let springs gush forth and flood my wasteland, my desert of pain and sorrow. Let the parched ground of my heart become a pool so that once again it's soil will be fertile and beautiful things will grow along the shore. Fill the craters with you so that once again I can be a soothing rain to other's parched claims in this desert so many of us find ourselves in.