The Farmers’ Almanac has been published annually since 1818. Many have put their confidence in its long-range weather forecasts. It has also been a trusted source for home remedies, advice on gardening and cooking, and lists such as the “5 Worst Weather Cities.”
While even trusted almanacs may fail, God’s Word never fails. As surely as the cycle of the seasons, God’s plans, commands, and promises will be accomplished and fulfilled (v. 11). We can and should trust in that, especially given how often our human plans are foolish or fail. In addition, God’s ways are qualitatively higher than ours (vv. 8–9). They’re beyond our understanding.
God’s ways are like the water cycle (v. 10). Water evaporates, then returns to the earth as snow and rain. This waters the earth, “making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater.” When nature works as God designed, the result is a fruitful harvest and plentiful food. As David wrote: “You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it” (Ps. 65:9).
Furthermore, God’s ways are good (vv. 12–13). “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace.” Nature itself will rejoice with you! The bad and the ugly (thornbush, briers) will be replaced by the good and the beautiful (juniper, myrtle). The result? God’s “renown” or glory. The accomplishment of His redemptive plans (see Isa. 55:1–3) will be “an everlasting sign, that will endure forever.” Though God’s ways are incalculably higher, He has given us a picture we can understand, rooted in the world He created!
Go Deeper
How many ways can you think of in which God’s ways are different from and higher than ours? In what ways can and should this strengthen our faith and worship?
Pray with Us
Lord, everywhere we look we see evidence of You: creative, insightful, and wise. When we see beauty, we cannot help but declare Your praise. We join with creation to worship You!
So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire.Isaiah 55:11
