He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
Revelation 21:5 (NIV)
As Just Love Norwich, we chose our theme based on this verse and the idea of ‘all things new’ because of the period of transition that we believe that we are currently in. We are progressing into spring and out of lockdown and thus, this is a season of hope and newness; where we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The thought of this is incredibly exciting but for me, as I can imagine for others, it is also completely terrifying.
Amidst the storm of emotions I have been feeling about the constant change that is going on around me, and feeling completely exhausted after being able to socialise more normally again, I read Isaiah 40. For context, God’s people, the Israelites, have been in exile in Babylon following a time when they turned from God. Isaiah is a prophet who God speaks through and this passage is about their salvation; God rescuing them from exile. I think there are parallels to this in our current situation, we too have been in a long period of waiting.
The idea of returning to their home in Israel must have been an exhausting but exciting thought, especially after they have settled in Babylon after being in exile for 70 years. I feel that God must have sensed this when he says in verses 30-31:
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:30-31 (NIV)
These verses are a reminder that God is an understanding God, he knows how we feel and encourages us to look to him and lean on him. It seems simple but coming out of a pandemic, we have to hold fast to God, we know he is never-changing, even when everything else is. In God, we find refuge and renewed strength, as well as good news and hope. We know that whatever happens, God has gone ahead of us and is with us in it all.
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