Isaiah 54:10
original image created by Smith House
For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the Lord, who has mercy on you.
While I like reading the New Living Translation of the Bible because it is easiest for me to understand, other versions sometimes paint more vivid pictures of the words. Other versions describe the mountains as shaking in this passage. That sounds a little more serious than simply moving and often can be used as a more accurate metaphor when it feels like our lives are in shambles. Other versions also say “peace” instead of “blessing” which is a more specific form of blessing. Blessings are great, but “blessing” sounds so generic, whereas “peace” sounds more like what I need when the mountains are shaking around me. My point is….sometimes it’s helpful to read multiple versions to get the best understanding.
It's incredibly tempting to doubt God’s love for us when things are not going well. Especially in times when God has given you a specific promise or word that you are eagerly waiting to come to fruition, but it feels like the exact opposite is what’s happening. For me, reading this made me think of times when significant progress is being made in my life and then a painful backslide happens. That’s what makes the mountains feel like they are shaking...catastrophically. Like my world is ending. In those moments, it’s hard to believe God’s on my side. It’s easy to blame God instead of leaning into his love and peace.
Waiting is hard. Hurting is hard. Life is so, so hard.
Even though I love God and I worship Him and share how good He is, I want you to know that I also have moments where I question Him, I yell at Him, and I cry to Him because it would be so easy for Him to JUST FIX THIS RIGHT NOW and he doesn’t do it. That’s something I don’t ever hear other Christians admit, but I will admit it. More people can relate when you’re real and honest, so that’s what I strive to be.
I always go back to Him after I have my moments and seek His forgiveness...and you know what? He ALWAYS gives it to me! He comforts me in those moments that I’m lashing out if I allow Him and if not, He comforts me when I’m done pushing Him away. As the passage states, his faithful love will remain. He also gives me grace that I can then give to myself and others.
How lucky are we that no matter what goes on in our lives, God’s faithful love will never disappear like the hills in this verse?
My advice you didn’t ask for? Have your moments. You have to let the feelings come out or they will get bigger inside of you until they spill out in even worse ways than you’re trying to prevent. Try not to lash out at God, but if you do, know that you will be forgiven and provided peace if you seek it from Him.