12-9-20 Midweek Musings

Go Out in Joy and Be Led Forth in Peace

“For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” – Isaiah 55:12

Chapter 55 of Isaiah is rightfully named “The Compassion of the Lord.” At this point in the book of Isaiah, God’s people have been completely disobedient, but God the Father is a God of grace and compassion, so he invites them into his lovingkindness. He is restoring them so they may glorify him once again and he is blessing his people.

Verse 12 specifically commands the people to go out in joy and be led forth in peace. Why does God ask this and how do we, as believers, do this?

Go Out in Joy

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

As Christians, we are called to be joyful, which is not a natural thing for us to do as human beings. However, when we understand God’s love and his constant grace, joy becomes easier. When we truly understand God’s grace and seek him, we will find joy.

There are two reasons we are called to go out in joy in this passage: For our own sake and the world’s. When we choose to rejoice in our circumstances, our circumstances seem to change. Life is easier to tackle when you choose a positive and joyous perspective rooted in a trust for God and his promises.

“May the God of hope fill you all with joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” – Romans 15:13

Furthermore, going out in joy benefits others. The world should be able to recognize a Christian by how they love and by the joy they have. This is not to say that Christians should always act happy and pretend everything is okay – being joyful is different than being happy. Joy is trusting in what God is doing and recognizing that he has a plan. Being joyful means not letting your circumstances crush you. To choose joy is to choose hope.

The idea is that the world sees that our circumstances aren’t crushing us and asks us why. Then we can answer with the glorious news of how good our God is and the hope that we have. When we go out in joy, we allow our own souls to grow and shine the light of Christ simultaneously.

Be Led Forth in Peace

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

Christians, there is so much peace in truly knowing God. If you were to read the Bible cover to cover, you would walk away with quite a bit of peace and calmness in your heart. God created you (Genesis 1:27), he forgives you (Ephesians 4:32), he saved you (Ephesians 2:8), he promises to protect you (Isaiah 41:10), he has a plan for you (Jeremiah 29:11), he is coming back one day (John 14:3) and he loves you so dearly (1 John 4:9-10).

When we allow Christ to lead us and guide our steps and our hearts, we find peace. There is peace in obedience and relationship with God. This does not mean that anxiety or fear ceases to exist though. The world is still corrupt and the enemy still exists, but when we cling to God and obey him, we will find his peace (Isaiah 32:17).

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7

When we truly have the peace of God, we stop needing answers for everything, we stop having to worry about everything going on in the world and we can simply trust in him and what is to come. When we seek his heart, we find peace, an inexplicable peace that will guide us through this life and all the trials we face.

*https://www.gcu.edu/blog/spiritual-life/weekly-devotional-go-out-joy-and-be-led-forth-peace

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Wolf Moon | Threat to Demonocracy

Great reminder – I often have the peace, but I don’t allow myself to feel the joy!

Gudthots

An alternative definition of joy from the neuroscience guys:
“Someone is glad to be with me!”

I know my God that thou provest hearts, and lovest simplicity, wherefore I also in the simplicity of my heart, have joyfully offered all these things…

1 Chronicles 29:17a DRA

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jamcooker

I appreciate the differentiation between joyfulness and happiness that’s expressed here. I think this is an approach I can use with a family member that sometimes needs counseling. TY

Brave and Free

Amen Carl, Every time when I am frustrated with what goes on in this world I always come back to the peace of God and remember He’s got this.
Romans 12:17-19

GrammyInD

Thank you so much for this today. Sometimes it is not easy to look to the Lord instead of the circumstances and we need a reminder that we are called to joy and peace in Him in spite of whatever is going on. At least I do. I always appreciate your Sunday and Wednesday insights.

Wolf Moon | Threat to Demonocracy

Thanks, Grammy! We will always keep a strong focus on the Lord here!

Sorry your comment didn’t post right away – we’re still figuring out that part!

GrammyInD

Yes, that’s why I love this site….the best of news AND encouragement in faith!
No problem about the wait….am only glad I don’t have to figure it out!!!

Grandmaintexas

Carl, thank you for this timely post. Always needing to be drawn back to the Light.

Peace does come when we rest in Christ. This has been such a difficult time for our country and its citizens.

I admit to letting my eyes off Christ and leaning too much on food (12 pounds up right now). But these midweek musings have helped me to get my bearings back.

Thank you. ❤

kinthenorthwest

TY bakocarl such a beautiful post. God is love and in control.
Over the years I have shared my songs with you! This year will be no different.
This one song is a few years old and say so much.
Matthew West – The Heart of Christmas Lyrics
The meaning of it all
Wherever you are, no matter how far
Come back to the heart, the heart of Christmas
Live while you can, cherish the moment
The ones that you love, make sure they know it
Don’t miss it, the heart of Christmas
Let’s make it feel the way it used to

Concerned Virginian

bakocarl
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this very timely post.

Last edited 3 years ago by RDS