Those the Lord has rescued will return. 
 They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. 
Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.  “I, even I, am he who comforts you.”  Isaiah 51:11-12

For the past 7 years I’ve spent much time immersed in the pages of Isaiah.  The words capture the essence of what I feel—joy, sorrow, hope, struggle, promise and breakthrough.  I know the deep ache caused by the circumstances and heartbreak of life.  I also know the overwhelming comfort found in the presence of Christ, the tenderness of God, and the availability of Holy Spirit.  This week I’ve felt resurgence in the pain of loss, specifically the loss of my dad 10 months ago.  I miss him for a million reasons.  Most of all, I miss his tender presence in my life.  I’ve cried out to the One who heals me, and I’ve felt his comfort abound.  God whispers a promise of life to come that inspires joy and diminishes sorrow’s ache.

Pain and death give way to dreams.  It is a force capable of breaking me free from the weight of this sadness, taking me from this moment and launching me towards the beautiful plans God set in place since the day he created the world.  He has a destiny in mind for me, but sometimes I forget that I’m a dreamer.  Instead of partnering with God, I get lost in the motion of the day’s assignments and my feelings.  Within that place I must remember to return to the embrace of my Father.  He has already rescued me, but I must return my heart to him.

I am comforted as my heavenly Father bends low to this earth and envelops me.  He reminds me that through pain and sorrow, joy emerges.  I don’t know how he does this.  The process is consistently unique.  I’ve not discovered a predictable method.  All I can say is that Isaiah’s words ring true.  God rescues me; everlasting joy adorns my head and fills me from within until it over takes everything that opposes its release.  He comforts me.

Today, in the midst of His comfort, I feel a growing excitement about the days ahead.  There is LIFE I haven’t lived and there are dreams that still need birthed.  Undiscovered beauty lays in wait for me and I am remembering to look for it.

What are you feeling today?  Do you need comfort?  Maybe you’re desperate for the inspiration of new dreams?  God’s arms are always open.  He longs to fill you with joy and gladness.  It’s a new day; it’s time for sorrow and sighing to flee away.  He is the only one who can truly comfort you, redeem your life and restore your joy.  Trust him, believe in his deep love for you and place your hope in his hands.  Hope will not disappoint you.  His face is always turned toward yours—lift your eyes and feel his love.  Find the forgotten dreamer and set them free!