Gladness is taken away, and joy from the plentiful field; in the vineyards there will be no singing, nor will there be shouting; no treaders will tread out wine in the presses; I have made their shouting cease. Isaiah 16:10
Having what appears to be complete and total freedom to do what one wants may feel like living a real life. At the moment people may appear to be happy and full of joy having everything that they want and able to do what they want. There are no negative consequences that are being placed on anyone in the temporary moment.
Isaiah brought a prophecy of doom to Moab because they rejected God. They would have their gladness and joy removed in the fields, vineyards and wine presses. All shout of joy would come to an end.
Just a few years ago America, and many other nations, appeared to be full of joy and prosperity. Businesses were thriving. Bank accounts were large. Everyone was getting what they desired.
In their time of joy and prosperity, people began to live and promote sinful lifestyles. Sin began to be promoted as good. Righteousness and holiness began to be promoted as negative and destructive. Truth was thrown out and lies were believed. And many believers bought into the ways of this world.
As this occurred, the economy dropped, sickness rose up, death rose up, depressions rose up. Joy is gone. Shouts of joy are lost. Nations have rejected God and His ways.
Believers can have a joy, despite the circumstances in their lives, but only when their hearts are focused upon God and living according to His ways. Repentance from sin and returning to God must occur. Living in the holiness and righteousness Jesus provides will bring about true joy and lasting favor from God. God must not be rejected.
No matter which nation you live in, most likely there is an overall rejection of God in your land. All around you sin is being promoted at greater levels than have been seen in many centuries. You have a choice to make as to whether you will reject God and His commands in your life or accept Him and obey His commands.
Do no reject God or judgement will come upon you and your land. Give God first place in your life and know the joy of His salvation. Shout for joy to God as you serve Him.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will know the joy of salvation in Jesus; that you will have God’s joy despite circumstances in your life; that you will not reject God nor His commands; and that you will be a witness for God and His truth in your nation.
Picture by Silvestri Matteo on Unsplash
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