Scripture Reading: Isaiah 61:1-11, Isaiah 62:1-12, Luke 4:16-21, 1 Peter 2:9-10
When I first read today’s passages, I had several questions. I didn’t go to seminary and often struggle to understand Old Testament prophecy, so I asked my favorite Bible nerd, my husband Noah, to help. Together, while driving to the lake, we asked questions, listened to commentaries, and read these passages aloud (to clarify: I read them—he kept his eyes on the road).
Just as we wrestle to understand Scripture, we also wrestle to walk daily in our restored identity as God’s children—the main idea in Isaiah 62. Identity is relevant to every season of life, no matter how many degrees we hold or how much wisdom we’ve gained through the years. This is because it’s threatened by so many competing narratives in our culture.
In Isaiah 62:11, we read: “Look, the LORD has proclaimed to the ends of the earth, ‘Say to Daughter Zion: Look, your salvation is coming, his wages are with him, and his reward accompanies him.’” Living on the other side of this declaration, we now trust that Christ—our salvation—has come. Through His life and death, Jesus redeemed our identity. This cannot change. But it’s our responsibility to become more attuned to this truth each day, rooting ourselves deeply in this reality.
Being a writer, word choices matter deeply to me. So what stands out from Isaiah’s prophecy is the language used to describe you and me. First, we have the phrase, “My Delight Is in Her” (Isaiah 62:4). Then at the end of this chapter is a really lovely statement of identity: “And they will be called the Holy People, the LORD’s Redeemed; and you will be called Cared For, A City Not Deserted” (v.12). These are terms of endearment. They express God’s love and commitment to us—just beautiful!
If we freely walked in this identity each day, how differently we would speak and think about ourselves. I, for one, wouldn’t despair so easily about not being invited to a prayer group or a book club—actions that historically lead me to believing I’m unloveable. An identity aligned to God’s truth changes our presence in a room and peace of mind.
“You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light,” writes Peter in 1 Peter 2:9. I pray that when we’re tempted to doubt or side-step our true identity, the Spirit will remind us what’s true. Mercy covers every insecurity, every doubt, every moment of rejection or word of negative self-talk that perpetually tries to drown the voice of love. Today is a new day. Let’s walk with a healthy confidence in our identity as God’s beloved daughters and sons.
Written by Bailey Gillespie
Leave a Reply
89 thoughts on "Zion’s Restoration"
❤✝️
❤️
I used that end passage today in prayer. What a gift to declare I am cared for he delights in me
I understand where you’re coming from Cheryl, the feeling of being in a community but also feeling alone and rejected. I have felt this way for years. It’s so hard to find connections, we endure and still feel not accepted. I’ve been praying for friendship and community for years. The waiting is so hard. We do our part and put ourselves out there and when we get rejected it’s so hard to lick the wounds and try again. I also needed reminding that God sees me and is with me during the dry seasons to help me endure and carry on.
❤️
I really needed this today and being honest with my sisters here
I have been feeling out of things and insecure as care giving has me sidelined at a time when as an associate minister at my church I would normally be very busy!
Again I take comfort from my
sisters here who are or have been
caregivers.Your example reminds me that God has something for me in this season and I am determined to seek Him and find out what he has in store! I covet your prayers!!
You,’ve got ’em, R! ❤
It’s understandable, I know I would not be a patient caregiver. (So thankful for our sisters that share their journey and struggles!) Praying for you and your husband! I struggle over here with just talking and not saying things the wrong way that sound critical!
Sweet sister, you have definitely got my prayers! Caregiving is extremely difficult and lonely. You often feel like the world is moving on and you are left behind. May you feel strength and peace from
God and feel the prayers of your many SRT sisters! ❤️
I want to walk in the identity that God has for me. I so often see myself through the eyes of so many different people. I want to see myself through the eyes of Jesus. ❤️☀️
You are amazing Jennifer! How do I know, because you have prayed like this here on this platform for at least a couple of years and I see your heart, so I KNOW Jesus does more so!!!
I’ve been out of the loop for a while. I am in Northern Michigan where we had the devastating ice storms, knocking out power to thousands upon thousands. Then I got the flu, where I was down for the count. Today is my first day back. And what a day to come back to!!! Nothing but Promise of Restoration!!! The Isaiah passages are so powerful, and need to be taken personally!!! We too often read scripture like its for a broad group of people, but it’s meant to be personal, for YOU. God is a personal God, and He’s for the masses, but He’s for the masses one person at a time, each individual. Take it personal when He says He will restore, take it personal when He says He’s given you a new name… these promises are meant for YOU!!
That’s Right!! I can attest that he indeed restores!! Sorry you have been sick and without power!! Glad you are better and back with us!!
I needed the reminder that I am God’s beloved daughter today.
I received a call yesterday that certain lab results are still not where they need to be. The nurse gave me a list of this to look for if it’s a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Please pray with me that this is not the case. I have another set of labs Friday and praying the numbers rise. Thank you all
Prayers Sam!!
Praying, Sam!❤
Oh….praying❤️
❤️
❤️
It’s really hard to think that the same spirit upon Jesus rests upon me. An imperfect, very far from worthy girl from TN. Then, I think about what we are walking and working towards. His blood, His cross, His atonement. That is what makes me worthy. Not performance, just Jesus! Lord, give me time today to just look I your eyes and meditate on your suffering and thank you for my salvation!
❤️
Yes, amen! We can feel so insignificant- But the CROSS, was for me, and for you! We are worthy, by his blood and sacrifice! Thank you Jesus!!
♥️
I have to say, “Thank you, Bailey!” I struggle so much with self doubt, negative self-talk, feeling rejection so deeply. This reminder of who we are in Christ touched my heart deeply!
I meet with a group of ladies occasionally but I never feel like I fi in with them. I’m not sure why they include me because really a couple of them really don’t like me. But I still go because I believe God has me there for a reason. He has placed a deep love for them in my heart so I continue to go. But today’s passage was a confirmation of how God sees me no matter how I feel or even see myself!
I struggled with this for so many years but God has brought me from a place of shame to a place of honor… little by little. The study that broke those chains for me was called “Jesus and Women” by Kristi McClelland. I highly recommend it.
❤️❤️❤️
I love that you continue to go, because you feel it in God’s leading! The thing is, we tend to want to be around people like ourselves, when really, we should be around people that are different and we can share our unique experiences and walk!!
❤️
Isaiah- after reading all the hard; the judgement from God on a stiff-necked, wayward, gone astray people- yet chosen people and God’s love for them. Why would he care if he didn’t call them his own? He does, he loves them so tenderly. They don’t do anything right…and must pay dearly in captivity. But God- in his tender loving mercy, the remnant will be protected and cared for. Just like us- those that look to Jesus to restore us to our Heavenly Father. We see in these chapters of his love and protection, and what is to come one day. The world, our lives, will never be in perfect peace, until the day of our Lord! But until then, we have the promises, and guidance, and protection of our Father. He sent His son as He promised, and then- better yet (can you fathom??), he gave us Holy Spirit! To LIVE INSIDE US, to love, comfort, guide- US (ME!)! That should give us such a JOY and peace in the midst of this crazy life. The song “Goodness of God” plays right now! The verses…”All my life, you have been faithful!” Amen. He is my rock, firm foundation. The anchor in the storms. He is good. He is the “Same God”- yesterday, today and tomorrow! Reading Isaiah reminds us of that with knowing that Jesus is coming- Has come—AND WILL come again (or we will go to him first and return with him!) Which would be more amazing?!
Yet, while we wait—SO none should perish if they come to Jesus! It is a narrow path, and we must let them know.
Oh how I ramble…I just get so amazed!! :))
Love all of this!
Just played “Goodness of God.” I love it and needed it this morning. Thanks for the nudge to listen again.
❤️❤️❤️
Beautiful passages today of the powerful ways God WILL….restore, redeem, provide…..Not maybe. It’s definitive and cannot change. But the realization is not to stop there and I (we) carry on to pursue that relationship, to abide in His presence, to know Him, to dwell on the Word and flourish, to be rooted in Truth and to proclaim that good news of hope and restoration to all. Knowing that hope and remembering who we are in Christ is important but it’s also ours to give to others.
“Through His life and death, Jesus redeemed our identity. This cannot change. But it’s our responsibility to become more attuned to this truth each day, rooting ourselves deeply in this reality.”
Thank you Lord that we can hold onto and live in the hope of who you are and who you created us to be. As we live and walk in the freedom of this, may we boldly proclaim that hope and the truth of who you are and our lives be a light in this dark, broken, hurting, lost world and to others that need you and in doing so we seek to bring honor and glory to your name. Amen ✝️
Amen!
I needed to hear this today.
“Today is a new day. Let’s walk with a healthy confidence in our identity as God’s beloved daughters and sons.” And to this I say, Amen!
—
What a beautiful reminder today of who we are in Christ – oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD! Just like a tree that is planted, we grow, we flourish, we expand. The more we are in the Word, the more time we spend with God in prayer and meditate on Him – the more we grow, the more we become like Him.
.
We have been given the garment of salvation, robes of righteousness! We are God’s special possession!
.
The next time someone tells you that you are a nobody – the next time you think you are a nobody, remember you are somebody – we are God’s special possession, a chosen people, a royal priesthood. So lets get out there and declare His praise!!
.
We have been called out of darkness into His marvelous light – praise God!
—
The song Who I Am came to my mind, here is just a little snipet of it..
Who the Son sets free
Oh, is free indeed
I’m a child of God, yes, I am
In my Father’s house
There’s a place for me
I’m a child of God, yes, I am
I am chosen, not forsaken
I am who You say I am
You are for me, not against me
I am who You say I am
I am chosen, not forsaken
I am who You say I am
You are for me, not against me
I am who You say I am
I am who You say I am
—
Praying for you
@Mari V
@Victoria E
@M E
@Susan Burley
@Searching – for your friends
@Lynn from Alabama
@Traci Gendron
@Danielle B
@Taylor – safe travels home
—
My son Jonathan speaks with his landlord tomorrow. Prayers for God to work out this situation.
—
Have a blessed Wednesday sisters!❤️
(heart!) Love the imagery of the Oak…growing up, getting stronger and more solid, and expanding our branches!
I love that song as well!
Praying for Jonathon’s meeting with landlord! And his heart.
Thank you for the prayers!
Thank for the image of an oak! Also thank you for the prayer list! Praying over all!
I love this Sharon! Praying for Jonathan! Favor for him and for God to move the heart of his landlord!
Today was so beautiful. Such a great reminder of how much God loves and cares for us if we chose to believe in Him. I am so very grateful for the parent (Grandparent) I had that taught me this years ago.
Good morning, precious sisters! I haven’t commented in several weeks but I assure you I am here every day and am praying for each of you and your requests. I know that in a group this large there are many unspoken needs and God knows each of them. I pray for those too. May you all have a blessed day! Sending a huge hug to each of you! ❤️
❤️
❤️
Hey, Lynne from Alabama! You have been on my heart after your husband’s passing. Praying for you to feel God’s care for you. Take care.
So good to see you❤️
Yes, we receive our identity in Christ and choose to root ourselves deeply in it. ❤️
Anen
Amen! We are made new in Christ. Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praise worthy-think about such things.
Jennifer–this verse is a perfect reminder of the importance of rooting ourselves in God’s truth, not the world’s. Thank you!
Amen!
May I walk in my identity of Christ!
I love this, BAILEY! Thanks to NOAH for helping you break it down for us (glad he kept his eyes on the road!)
“An identity aligned to God’s truth changes our presence in a room and peace of mind….
I pray that when we’re tempted to doubt or side-step our true identity, the Spirit will remind us what’s true. Mercy covers every insecurity, every doubt, every moment of rejection or word of negative self-talk that perpetually tries to drown the voice of love. Today is a new day. Let’s walk with a healthy confidence in our identity as God’s beloved daughters and sons.”
.
This passage in Luke is one of the coolest in the Bible to me. SEARCHING, I noticed that, too, and mentioned it to my grandson ad I read it out loud!
.
Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
.
Draw Me Nearer just came to mind.
I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,
And it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith,
And be closer drawn to Thee.
Refrain:
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
To the cross where Thou hast died;
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
To Thy precious, bleeding side.
2 Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,
By the pow’r of grace divine;
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,
And my will be lost in Thine. [Refrain]
3 Oh, the pure delight of a single hour
That before Thy throne I spend,
When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God,
I commune as friend with friend! [Refrain]
4 There are depths of love that I cannot know
Till I cross the narrow sea;
There are heights of joy that I may not reach
Till I rest in peace with Thee. [Refrain]
Source: One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism: an African American ecumenical hymnal #178
Amen! Thank you for reminding us of this hymn! One of my favorites! ❤️
❤
We are cared for. Loved. Delighted over. Let us live in this truth!
❤ amen, Meagan!
An old Casting Crowns song just came to mind. “Who Am I?”:
‘I am a flower quickly fading, here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean (ocean), a vapor in the wind
Still, You hear me when I’m calling, Lord, You catch me when I’m falling
And You’ve told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours’
I LOVE this song. Such a truth
Yes! ❤
Thanks for a reminder of this hymn!
❤
Amen. Thank you for this hymn reminder :)
Lord,
Thank You for Your promises of healing, joy, and restoration. Heal our hearts, bring us peace, and set us free.
We are grateful that You love us and delight in us. We trust that You will rebuild what is broken and help us shine Your light to the world.
We pray for those who lead and pray for us. Give them strength and faith to keep praying.
We look forward to Your return and the joy You bring. Help us live in hope and honor You in all we do.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Amen
Amen!
Amen!
Thank You that I am Yours Father God! Amen
Oh ladies one day we will be singing praises old and new songs together in paradise! What beautiful time that will be.
I come with praise this morning, though I’ve been working from home, today thanks to a driver, I will go back in the office. Please pray with me for my co-workers who experienced me passing out and other behaviors that weren’t normal.
God be with you!
Rejoicing with you at your return to the office! Joining you in prayer for your co-workers… Thanking God for how He has brought you through this crisis … with successful surgery, His Healing touch… And now He goes before you, making your path straight! Blessings today, Dear Danielle!! ♥️
Yes, Indeed! Amen!
Praying for you!
I hadn’t associated identity exactly to the passage. I love it!! God’s word is always so powerful. Lord May I walk in my true identity today!! I am Yours.
God’s timing is such a gift. I needed these words this morning. Today is a new day.
❤️❤️
Amen❤️
I love reading these promises! Exchanging beauty for ashes, praise for heaviness/despair, honor for shame. He rebuilds, repairs and raises up, delights in us, rejoices over us – thank you, LORD.
.
A Bill & Gloria Gaither chorus of praise comes to mind as I sit here with tears, thinking of His love …
Let’s Just Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, Let’s just lift our hearts towards Heaven and Praise The Lord …
.
In the verses from Luke, Jesus didn’t pick out the book/scroll of Isaiah for His reading, it was handed to Him. Just found that interesting…
–
GWINETH52- a true fast, thank you ❤️
MARI V – praying for May’s court date
SHARON JERSEY GIRL- great comment, praying for Jonathan’s meeting today or tomorrow
RHONDA J – your expanding on the hinge ❤️
SUSAN BURLEY – praying for Seth’s healing, and for wisdom and guidance for his medical team
CEE GEE ❤️
.
Continued prayer requested for older friend of the family – discharged to rehab without resolution or diagnosis and also for dear friend’s family member who has had somewhat of a setback requiring medical care.
❤
Thank you!
Praying!
Praying❤️
Isaiah 61:10
“I rejoice greatly in the Lord,
I exult in my God;
for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation
and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness,
as a groom wears a turban
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”
.
Hallelujah! Praise be to our great God!
.
SEARCHING-continuing to pray for your “older family friend”
.
SUSAN BURLEY – continuing to pray for Seth’s healing and wisdom for the doctors.
Yes, Hallelujah!
Thank you, Kelly ❤️
❤
Love how Scripture so often overlaps. My pastor’s sermon on Sunday was from Luke 4:16-20.
Thank you!!