From barren to bursting with song - February 3
From barren to bursting with song – February 3
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 72; PM Psalm 119:73-96; Isa. 54:1-17; Gal. 4:21-31; Mark 8:11-26
Denise and Jason longed to have a child. They fervently prayed to God. They did all that they could, seeking advice from experts far and wide. Denise underwent procedures and discomfort – for years. And yet, their arms were empty. The hope to which they had held tightly was all that their hands could grasp. It felt as if their hearts were torn, and yet they had to move forward each day. Denise and Jason’s story is not an isolated event. Maybe you or a friend or loved one has been on a similar journey of pain, disappointment, and disillusionment.
How then do we begin to understand and reconcile the cognitive dissonance of Isaiah 54, when very real and heartbreaking experiences of personal loss are in front of us? The prophet’s words feel so close to an inflamed nerve, as he imparts God’s message to the listeners:
“Sing, O barren one who did not bear;
burst into song and shout,
you who have not been in labor!
For the children of the desolate woman will be more
than the children of her that is married, says the Lord.” (54:1)
How is it that one who mourns can burst into song and shout for joy? And when the door to having children has been shut, how do these words fall upon tender and vulnerable ears? In spaces of spiritual tension like this, surely these words are met with tears and longing.
The Lord offers promise and empathy, not only in the hope of children in her life ahead, but also emotional comfort:
“Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed;
do not be discouraged, for you will not suffer disgrace;
for you will forget the shame of your youth,
and the disgrace of your widowhood you will remember no more.” (54:4)
This passage names the negative emotions associated with the social and spiritual status of being childless: shame, disgrace, disheartened, to name a few. The Hebrew term for “barren” is associated with being uprooted or torn away. Those who cannot have children often feel separate or out of sync with their peers who carry the joys and burdens of child-rearing. Perhaps in these (and other) disappointments, faith in God feels a bit uprooted, too.
Interestingly, separation is not just sensed by the person experiencing loss. God names it, too: “For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with great compassion I will gather you.” (54:7) In the background of Isaiah is the destruction of Jerusalem by the invading Babylonians and the exile that followed. This concept of God momentarily turning away from Israel is a disturbing one that we wrestle with in Isaiah – and indeed in our own lived experiences.
Isaiah 54 takes us from a space of desolation and heartache, into the expanse of restoration and blessing – not through human efforts, but God’s love and grace. It is not an easy journey. It is painful and perilous. Be courageous, and let these words from God through Isaiah ground you and propel you forward:
“For the mountains may depart
and the hills be removed,
but my steadfast love shall not depart from you,
and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,
says the Lord, who has compassion on you.“ (54:10)
Our God has compassion on you, so if you are feeling afflicted or storm-tossed in this season of separation and hardship, hold fast to God’s love. And know that you are not alone.
-- Katherine+
Questions for Reflection
When have you felt storm-tossed, and even that God abandoned you?
When have you turned your back on God? What happened next?
Daily Challenge
Do you know someone who has struggled personally with physical pain, childlessness, addiction, divorce, or other hardship that has led them to feel apart from God? Pray for that person. Meditate on Isaiah 54 and if there is a line that speaks to you, share it with that person. Write them a letter or call them on the phone.