How can we "rejoice forever" in God's creation as Isaiah 65:18 suggests? Setting the Scene • “But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; for I will create Jerusalem to be a joy and its people to be a delight.” (Isaiah 65:18) • The verse stands inside God’s larger pledge: “I will create new heavens and a new earth” (Isaiah 65:17). • The promise is literal, future, and certain—secured by the same God whose Word never fails. Why God Invites Unending Joy • His new creation will be perfectly good, free from curse and decay (Romans 8:19-21). • He will personally dwell with His people, removing every cause of sorrow (Revelation 21:3-4). • The Lord Himself rejoices in His works (Psalm 104:31); sharing His joy fulfills our design as image-bearers. • Eternal joy glorifies Him, testifying that His redemption in Christ is complete and satisfying. Beginning the Rejoicing Now • Salvation in Jesus unites us with the coming age (1 Peter 1:8-9). • The Spirit, “a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance” (Ephesians 1:13-14), supplies present joy that anticipates future fullness. • Faith grasps God’s promise as already secure, turning hope into celebration (Philippians 4:4). Daily Practices That Cultivate Perpetual Joy • Fix the mind on the promise ‑ Read passages on the new creation: Isaiah 65; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21-22. ‑ Memorize Isaiah 65:18 to keep the command close. • Offer continual thanksgiving ‑ “Give thanks in every circumstance” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Gratitude trains the heart to savor God’s present gifts while longing for the ultimate gift. • Worship through creation stewardship ‑ Engage the world with care and wonder, echoing God’s own verdict that His works are “very good” (Genesis 1:31). • Fellowship with God’s people ‑ Jerusalem’s future delight centers on a redeemed community. Shared laughter, service, and communion foreshadow it now. • Sing truth ‑ Music anchors joy. Psalm-based hymns and Scripture-saturated songs align emotions with God’s Word. • Practice Sabbath rhythms ‑ Regular rest anticipates the eternal rest and joy of the new heavens and new earth (Hebrews 4:9-11). Living with an Eternal Horizon • Suffering loses dominance when weighed against the coming glory (Romans 8:18). • Joy strengthens perseverance; eyes fixed on Jesus endure “for the joy set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2). • Anticipation fuels mission: proclaiming the gospel invites others to share the promised rejoicing (Matthew 28:18-20). Looking Ahead to Full Realization • “Behold, I make all things new” (Revelation 21:5)—a direct echo of Isaiah 65. • The completed work will display righteousness, beauty, and everlasting delight beyond present imagination. • Until that day, believers echo Isaiah’s command: rejoice now, rejoice always, and rejoice forever in what God creates. |
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