“‘18 I have seen what they do, but I will heal them anyway! I will lead them. I will comfort those who mourn, 19 bringing words of praise to their lips. May they have abundant peace, both near and far,’ says the Lord, who heals them.” ~ Isaiah 57:18-19NLT
The people of Israel were punished for their sin, the LORD God withdrew Himself from them, but they were stubborn. Though they were stubborn, their hearts were not against God, so in His mercy, God looked down and said, I will heal them anyway. I will lead them in spite of their stubbornness. I will comfort the mourners, and in doing so, I will bring praise back to their lips. I will rain down peace on them. Why?
Because He is the God that heals. He is the God of mercy. And most importantly, He is the God of love. His love is never-ending. When we are in trouble, no matter our past, He will run to rescue us, heal our land, and bring us back to be a people of praise. Our nation is in unrest, but just as God brought back the people of Israel, He will bring back our people. He will heal our land and bring comfort to all who mourn. If we allow God to, He will bring peace back into our nation; we just have to open the door to Him and set our hearts towards Him.
So that when He returns to us and heals our land, praise will return to our lips. When praise returns, God returns and abides, for He abides in the praises of His people. Through praise, we are healed, restored, renewed, changed because we grow closer and closer to God. It wasn’t until they praised that the walls of Jericho fell down. It was the Tribe of Judah (praise) that led the People of Israel out into battle. Praise changes everything, so let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
Peace. Love. Go Forth and Pray For Lips of Praise.