“You will be a crown of splendor in the LORD’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be married.”
(Isaiah 62:3-4, NIV)
What is your desired place to be in all the world? Is it Hawaii, Bahamas, or Dubai? Aaah.. Those are some good spots! Filled with beautiful beaches, breath-taking sunsets, and the perfect weather. Sounds like paradise, right? Most of us dream of getting away to a place like that. Even if it’s just for a few days or a couple of weeks. Sometimes you just want to detach from reality, you know? To have a moment to yourself not having to worry about bills, work, or other stresses of life. I don’t know about you, but there’s been plenty of times I’ve wanted to escape from reality in go to paradise. Especially when life decided without my permission to leave me hanging. Let’s be real! Life gets complicated. And all we want to do is escape to another place when it does. Preferably, somewhere we can start afresh and experience “sweet serenity.”
Thinking if I’d just move to a another city, work at a different job, or meet this person life would be bliss! Things would finally be picture-perfect. Yeah? Um, Maybe. In Isaiah chapter 62, We are reminded that the best place to be in life is not in Hawaii, Bahamas, or any other places we deemed paradise here on earth. Instead, the best place to be in all the earth is in the hands of God. It is there God can mold, protect, and release us to do what He’s purposed us to do! This might not have been what you wanted to hear. However, I believe many of you needed to hear this. Changing your address, last name, or work environment can never replace, or do what only God can do for you. If any of us make these changes without His permission we can cause ourselves to miss out on the most greatest blessings. This is why we must consult the Lord first; before we proceed in making any life changes. Friend, I’m not saying change or desiring change is bad. Of, course not! But know that making a change without God’s approval may lead to destruction instead of paradise.
Now, when we think of paradise we think of a place filled with peace, joy, and beauty all-around. Such as the destination or vacation spots mentioned earlier. When we think of Heaven we also think of paradise. Jesus himself used that word to describe it. I believe many of you reading this are wanting to experience some type of paradise. Some of us eagerly wait for our eternal paradise with Jesus because we don’t believe we’ll ever experience it on earth. Many of us feel defeated and have even accepted defeat as our earthly destiny. So most live simply waiting for Jesus to bring them to an eternal paradise.
That’s usually what we think of when it comes to paradise. Somewhere far from our world that won’t make us feel defeated. A place will get to experience after our life here on earth. Verse 4 in Isaiah 62, says, “No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. ” When you feel defeated that’s probably how you feel. It seems like you have nothing left to give. You have tried and used all you had to better yourself and now left with nothing. Nowhere to go, no one to call, or turn to. But isn’t that the BIGGEST lie from the enemy! Know that sometimes God will allow some of us to experience a deserted and desolate season to remind us that only He can flourish us! He is our true Helper and Provider for all things. And in His hands is where He wants us to stay. This is the best place to be on earth! Because you can always expect great things to happen in your life if God is in it. If He’s the one leading you! “You will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be married.” My friend, this is paradise. True paradise! No desired destination spot or vacation can do that for us. What God does is final. It is ever-lasting! It doesn’t last just for a moment, a few days, or a couple of weeks, but is guaranteed for a life-time! Would you believe me if I told you that you’re in paradise right now? Maybe not. But You’re in God’s hand—that’s paradise! You May question whether that’s true based on your feelings. But God never asked you to trust your feelings. So don’t put your trust in your feelings. Put your trust in Jesus! 
We often lose sight of our promise when we trust in our feelings and circumstances more than Him. Our feelings can’t be trusted. They will fail us. But God never fails! His promise to you is “Yes and Amen” in Christ Jesus. So, I urge you to take heart! Your current situation is temporary. I truly believe God is about to change your deserted and desolate season to paradise! Just like He said in Isaiah 62:3-4! Yes, I know it’s hard to believe such a bold statement if at the moment things may look the exact opposite. Again, trust God! Not what you see. He is faithful! He’s got you in the palm of His hand. Aaah.. Now, that’s paradise! Rest.
JLP Network 