“’In that day,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘the peg that is fastened in the secure place will be removed and be cut down and fall, and the burden that was on it will be cut off, for the LORD has spoken.’” Isaiah 22:25

God Speaks Reversals

There are some situations in our lives that feel permanent. When we earned just enough to pay our bills and buy a little food, it felt like we’d always live from hand to mouth. When, many years later, we had abundance, it felt like we’d never be poor again. When we had many friends, we couldn’t imagine being lonely; when the friends moved away, we felt we’d never again have best friends to call on the spur of the moment to share a meal with us.

Scriptures are replete with God’s reversals, yet we persist in feeling things will never change. Hopelessness seems programmed into us when we are down; when good things happen, we are on top of the world, joyfully expecting more good things.

In today’s Scripture, one leader is being cut off and cast away, and another man is appointed to take his place. God spoke this reversal into being. A few verses earlier, the mighty were humbled. We know that the high, strong walls of Jericho were leveled. The dry earth was flooded. Fruitful land becomes barren; deserts are watered. Mourning is turned to dancing. Sorrow is replaced by joy. Storms are stilled. God’s people are enslaved; then they are freed. They wander with nothing; then they inherit a bountiful land. Lies are replaced with truth. Death is swallowed up in life.

“Whoever is wise will observe these things, and they will understand the loving kindness of the LORD” (Psalm 107:43).

No circumstance is permanent, because of our great and powerful God. Nothing is too hard for Him to do; we need never feel that our life, or anyone else’s life, is beyond help—or beyond change. Though our circumstances aren’t permanent, His Word, His love, His kindness, and His faithfulness are unfailing.

 “Almighty God, we know You have the power to reverse decisions, remove rulers, change our circumstances, and save to the uttermost. We place all our hope in You. Amen.”