Verse of the Day for December 18

The first word of this passage is a refusal. No lion shall be there. On the road home to Zion, some things are simply not allowed.

We do not usually think of a no as a gift. We want doors opened, prayers answered our way, plans approved. But this road is safe precisely because of what God has said no to. No lion. No ravenous beast.

That does not make every no in your life easy to understand. Some refusals hurt for years and are never explained. Isaiah does not pretend otherwise. He only says that on the road the redeemed walk, there are things God keeps off it.

And look how the passage ends. sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Sorrow is the one running now. It chased us for a long time. One day it turns and runs, and everlasting joy upon their heads is worn like a crown.

If you are holding a no today, a rejection letter, a refused visa, a doctor's careful words, you do not have to pretend it is good. Carry it onto the road anyway. Walk, as the redeemed walk, one step at a time toward Zion.

Not every no is explained, but the road is still safe.

Joy will one day be worn, not chased.