LED FORTH IN PEACE
You will indeed go out with joy and be led forth in peaceH7965;
the mountains and hills will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.
Isaiah 55:12
The following is an excerpt from a post at https://hymnary.org/text/you_shall_go_out_with_joy_and_be_led
Paraphrasing only verse 12 from Isaiah 55–a chapter rich with invitation, comfort, and wisdom–Steffi G. Rubin (b. The Bronx, NY, 1950) wrote “The Trees of the Field” in 1975. Verse 12 refers to the “going out” from Babylon, the Israelites’ return from exile. More generally, and certainly as seen through New Testament eyes, the passage sings of the joy resulting from God’s salvation, a joy so far-reaching that even the “trees of the field will clap their hands,” and fruitful trees and bushes will grow instead of thorns and briers. . . The song’s popularity is no doubt due to the Jewish-style music by Stuart Dauermann (b. Brooklyn, NY, 1944). Both text and tune were written for the Liberated Wailing Wall, the touring singing group of Jews for Jesus. It was first published in Scriptures to Sing (Lillenas, 1975). (36)
Prophecy often has a near interpretation and one that applies to future events. Isaiah was writing about the eventual return of the Israelites from captivity in Babylon which was indeed a joyous occasion with celebration and singing. However, the later interpretation can be applied to the freedom and peace we experience as those saved by faith in Jesus by the grace of God. The Israelites were looking forward to a time of peace in their homeland. Those of us who follow Jesus experience peace with God which leads to the peace of God, an inner, calm confidence that our Good Shepherd is watching over us.
There are many external forces that try to rob us of our peace: job stress, family crises, financial problems, poor health, etc. However, when turmoil arises on any front, we can turn our attention to Jesus by focusing on Scripture verses that assure us of His peace. Have you committed any of those to memory? Start with these:
Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
John 14:17 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.
Try praying God’s word back to Him.
Father, there are many circumstances going on right now that could cause us to be anxious. We thank You because we know You have it all under control and pray that You would replace our anxieties with Your perfect peace. Lord, Jesus, You promised Your disciples that You were leaving them Your peace. We, too, are Your disciples. Therefore, we turn our troubled hearts to You and trust that You will remove our fear and replace it with that peace.
Worship along with “The Trees of the Field will Clap Their Hands” sung by the Gaither Homecoming Friends during visit to Israel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjL27TlSwYU