In Across the Plains, Robert Louis Stevenson’s travel memoir about his journey as an immigrant from New York to San Francisco, he says, “Find out where joy resides, and give it a voice far beyond singing. For to miss the joy is to miss all.” Stevenson was a stranger traveling in a foreign land. The conditions were not always ideal, but he knew not to miss the joy.

Everlasting joy shall be upon their heads.

Isaiah 35:10

God’s followers have always been on a journey in a foreign land. Because of sin, the conditions are not always perfect, but the Lord promises joy along the way and eternally (John 16:22). In today’s verse, the prophet Isaiah was calling God’s people back to faithfulness. He reminded them they would face judgment, but would also receive restoration. Christians today share this promise through the hope of Christ’s return.

Are you missing the joy? Don’t let your struggles rob you of the joy you are promised in this life or the next. As you pray today, ask for peace and joy (Romans 15:13) and for America and its leaders to return to faithfulness so they might also experience restoration and hope.

Recommended Reading: I Peter 1:3-9