The first reading this Sunday is Isaiah 35:4-7 and begins with the bold acclamation:

Say to those who are of a fearful heart,
    “Be strong, do not fear!
Here is your God.
    He will come with vengeance,
with terrible recompense.
    He will come and save you.”

In the words of Sam and Dave, God says, “Hold on, I’m coming…” In the middle of our fear and trembling, God is on the way bringing deliverance. I’m not quite sure about the “vengeance and terrible recompense” though as it sounds like it’s best not to get in God’s way. After all, what if what needs to be put in it’s place are those parts of me that haven’t been living as God has called me to live. Gulp… I guess the only prayer I have to offer then is “Save me from myself, then, Lord!”

The second part of the reading (verses 5-7), I can’t help but hear in song, because George Frideric Handel set these words (along with texts from Isaiah 40:11 and Matthew 11:28-29), to music in his 18th century work Messiah (see below). If I close my eyes, the movement and flow of this piece help me envision rolling hills, dotted with fluffy sheep, watered by calmly meandering stream – a setting of absolute peace and abundance.

These lines speak of total transformation – streams coursing the once-barren desert, the blind regaining sight, those who could not speak singing in praise… We usually hear these verses in Advent as we prepare our hearts for Christmas and the arrival of Christ, the One who brings peace, joy, healing, wholeness, and who makes all things new.

On the surface, the promises offered in verses 5-7 feel almost at odds with the attention-grabbing verse 4. Yet, the boldness of verse 4 continues in the promises of renewal and transformation. The hope of the phrase “here is your God” is seen in the way God is rooting out what is not of God and changing worn out, desert hearts into places where newness of life will blossom and flourish.

I wonder how often we fear the coming of God into our daily lives rather than embracing it. How we grow nervous at the thought of God abiding with us in the realms we thought (or convinced ourselves) we were in control of. Is that fear all a part of letting go of what we thought was ours? Is it being afraid to learn how to do something new or to start again? Is it fundamentally a fear of change?

What am I clinging to that might be hindering the lush abundance and transformation God has in store? It’s a big question for sure. All I can say is I’m glad God is here, patiently and tenaciously offering liberation from fear and changing the landscape of our hearts into verdant gardens of ever-growing love and grace. God will come. God will save. Thanks be to God!

© Annabelle P. Markey