Woman to Woman: Rejoice with Me!

As we head into Holy Week, I am reflecting on Isaiah chapter 12, which I memorized for Lent. Memorizing this chapter blessed me tremendously and I am sharing the blessing, inviting you to Rejoice with me, as I shared what I learned about each verse this week.

"And in that day thou shalt say, O Lord, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me."

Isaiah 12:1

As I reflected on this verse while memorizing it, I thought of God the Father pouring out His wrath on Jesus as He hung on the cross in my place. Jesus bore the wrath and punishment for my sin, so that the Father's anger was turned away from me, and instead He comforts me. I will praise Him!

"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation."

Isaiah 12:2

Instead of punishment, God has Himself became my salvation! I do not need to fear, but simply trust in His finished work. Imagine, the Lord Jehovah is now my strength and my song! My heart was overcome reflecting on this great truth.

"Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation."

Isaiah 12:3

Here I was able to spend time reflecting on the joy fulling my heart because God Himself became my salvation, strength and song, His anger turned away from me! Think of this beautiful picture, refreshing water from the wells of salvation!

"And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted."

Isaiah 12:4

With all that God has shown me in verses 1-3, my heart full of joy can but praise Him! Receiving God's grace, mercy and love at Calvary compels me to declare all He has done to others and exalt His name above all else.

^"Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth."

Isaiah 12:5

I think we praise God best in song; worshipping Him through song allows us to pour forth the joy and gratitude in our hearts for all of His excellent works!

"Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee."

Isaiah 12:6

Christ's atoning sacrifice at Calvary opened the way for us to approach the Throne of God as His beloved children. Not only that, but He sent the Holy Spirit to live within us, so that He will never leave nor forsake us!

How can we but cry out and shout this good news to all who will listen?

As I walked through Lent with these verses and viewed them through Calvary, my heart remains full of gratitude for all that God has done for me.

These verses combined with Psalm 103:1-10 are part of a meditation I use every night before falling asleep.

As I recite these verses from memory, it is my goodnight "ritual" with the glorious love of my heart, Jesus, and a way to keep my heart full of both joy and gratitude.

You don't have to memorize these passages to benefit from them. Make index cards you can keep with you and remind yourself of God's great goodness to you at any time.

Come, Rejoice with me!