The Inspiring Word of the Lord

"For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace;

the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song,

and all the trees of the field shall clap their hand"

(from Isaiah 55:10-13)

Vermont is experiencing a catastrophic flooding event.

As my District Superintendent described it, "the rain falls and the flood waters rise".

Barre, where I lived, and Montpelier, were inundated with rain causing the flooding and covering streets with mud.

Montpelier, for a time, evacuated residents, two of whom I know.

Montpelier cancelled a boil water order  due to contaminants and closed the main streets.

Small towns, such as Weston and Londonderry, were flooded and temporarily isolated.

Roads and bridges have been washed away including the historic Queechy covered bridge

Reflecting on the impact of this catastrophic event, two thoughts occurred to me.

First, there is an economic consequence to local businesses and the towns and cities as they attempt to recover.

The costs will be astronomical.

Second, there is a spiritual impact as people cope with the upheaval. 

Feelings such as grief over lost possessions, confusion about what's next, questions about restoring life a new normal instead of the former things.

Imagine the emotions of the 96 year old woman who lost everything.

Putting things in proper perspective, the words from Isaiah are about the Word of the Lord accomplishing what it is intended to do.

God’s Word gives life.

God's Word is intended to give life and accomplishes it, because as Isaiah says God’s Word that does not return empty.

Israel needs to hear this because of the Exile, Babylonian captivity, homeland invasion, and Temple's destruction.

God's Word restores hope which inspires praise.

God's Word gives life and restores hope even as Vermont experiences catastrophic flooding.

In our own lives, when we experience a catastrophe, an upheaval, or a soul-sickness, God's Word restores hope and inspires praise. 

Perhaps as we imagine returning to dry lands, mountains and hills bursting into song, trees clapping hands, we will experience new life from the Word of the Lord. 

Think about it: how does the Word of the Lord inspire you in difficult times?