The Fortieth

 

Comforts, Jerusalem (Isaiah 40)

This message is tender
This promise is true
You suffered the dark times
When nobody knew
The end of the chastening
The end of my rod
But now I correct all
Your all-powerful God.
The nations a pittance
Their idols a sham
About to discover
The strengths of I Am.
My hands cup the oceans
My lips name each star
My lightnings relentless
Wherever they are.
And yes you have murmured
As if I cared not
For folks I have chosen
And children “forgot”.
But watch, I’m a-rising
The Shepherd’s strange wrath
The same One who ordered
The lambs a safe path.
And you are restored now
Your trust holds new power.
A recompense witnessed
To brutes who devour.
See, all of your waiting
Bears mighty yield here.
You soar some
You run some
You walk
Children dear.
A strength is renewed, yes
My Covenant kin
And double the blessing
For all your past sin.

Note: There is tremendous comfort in this Bible chapter. Much that relates to our present situation. It would be a helpful exercise for you to search out other “calming chapters”.  Sections like Psalm 34 and 84, Isaiah 54 and 61, Jeremiah 31, Ezekiel 34 and 37, Zephaniah 2 and 3, Matthew 5 and 13, Luke 7 and 15, John 13 and 14, Philippians 4, Revelation 5 and many others.