The Promise of Joy

“'Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?' says the Lord. 'Do I close up the womb when I bring to delivery?' says your God” (Isaiah 66:9, NIV).

Are you going through a tough time? Does each day bring sadness, pain, or even fear? At times each one of us wonders where God is. When so overwhelmed we cry out for a promise of peace in the midst of our storm. We just long for our storm to end. We long for peace.

This verse in Isaiah uses the analogy of birth for the promise of deliverance and new life for Israel. It also speaks promise of deliverance to whatever pain we face or whatever struggle overwhelms us. There is a promise of deliverance that will come. Look at a pregnant woman. After months of pregnancy she discovers the intense pain of delivery, and at the moment when her pain is the greatest, there is release. What is the result? A new birth and a new life. Joy is the result. The months of discomfort, and the intense pain of delivery have been worth it. All along the way, she has anticipated the joy to come. She has believed in her promise, and the months of preparation have been worth the incredible result.

God doesn't close up the womb and hold back your delivery–your deliverance. No! He doesn't stop the release that comes forth from all the pain. The intense joy that comes from your delivery is your promise. You are even protected from the pain that would be too much for you to handle. “Before she goes into labor, she gives birth; before the pains come upon her, she delivers a son” (Isaiah 66:7). What we might consider the harshest pain is not really what the most horrible pain might be. God has protected us. He has made our labor easier than it might have been, and has brought us to the joy of delivery.

Whatever trial you are going through holds the promise of peace. “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised” (Hebrews 10:35-36). Hang on and find His will. Believe the promise is very real. During your time of preparation, you will discover the biblical truths that make your faith stronger. “Weeping may stay for the night,” He promises, “but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5b). The birth of your promise will come. The pain you know now will bring the greatest joy then!