Scripture for Today: Isaiah 30:18 “Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him.”

What a beautiful and impressive sight to see these hot air balloons rise up during the Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Festival in Turkey! This annual event, usually in August, attracts thousands from around the world. More than two hundred years ago the first flight took place from the Tuileries Gardens in France thanks to the research done by the Montgolfier brothers! (I always wondered why a hot air balloon was called in French a “montgolfière!”) Unlike hot air balloon rides today, the first passengers were a sheep, a rooster and a duck!

Today’s verse speaks of the graciousness of the Lord. He rises up to show compassion for those He calls His own. Many times in Scripture “rising up” speaks of God’s judgement on the wicked. But here, He rises up to show compassion, with reassurance that He will be faithful to those who are targets of injustice. His justice will prevail because He is gracious and compassionate. It may be that He shows justice in our lifetime, but if not, surely in the life to come! And we are called on to wait for Him.

I am not feeling so “blessed” when I see all kinds of injustice in our world. It can weigh very heavily on my spirit, especially when loved ones are targeted. It is so difficult to see brothers and sisters in Christ suffer. But in believing in the God of the Bible and His ultimate justice, I am able to rise up myself and stand firm! (Ps. 20:8) One day, every wrong will be made right! This is my confident hope and expectation, one that lifts my spirits.

Thank you Lord, that I can trust Your justice!