Sing

Break forth together into singing,

you ruins of Jerusalem;

for the LORD has comforted his people,

he has redeemed Jerusalem.                                                                   Isa. 52.9

The good news of the saving of Jerusalem is announced, and the people are exhorted to praise and thanksgiving. God’s comfort is assured, therefore sing out, O people, for you have much that is good to sing about.

I notice that it is the ruins of Jerusalem that are encouraged to rejoice and praise. The good news has been released, but it has not yet come to pass. No, it is whilst still in a state of ruin that Jerusalem is encouraged to break forth with joyful singing.

And so it may often be for the Christian! We know we have the victory, but it may be extremely difficult, sometimes seemingly impossible, to live in that victory during present pressures or afflictions. We may well see ourselves as in a state of ruin. Yet we have the word of God. He has comforted His people; He has redeemed them! This is the truth. In whatever circumstances we find ourselves, we take hold of the truth, and we bring ourselves to thank and praise our mighty and loving God.

I know of people who are attacked to the point of defeat and surrender. Yet, when they move themselves to praise and worship God, something changes. They are revitalised, reassured, and renewed in determination to break through. And this is understandably so, for it is fully in keeping with God’s word: Break forth together into singing, you ruins of Jerusalem; for the LORD has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!

Dear Lord and Mighty God,

I receive this word of exhortation and encouragement. May I remember this in my own times of testing and suffering. Let me also be equipped and enabled to reach out to others, and encourage them to turn to You in full surrender and to break forth in heartfelt praise and worship whenever they might feel alone and battling, and without too much hope.

May they be revived, truly revived, by that special communion with You that takes place when we seek You out, in worship, prayer and song, in those times of direst need.

Thank You, dear Lord, for this glorious reminder. Thank You for all that You share with me. May this continue long to be so, in Jesus’ name.             Amen.