The News I Didn't Want

“He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor.”
Isaiah 61:1b-3 (NIV)

Arise and shine, dear one! God is with you!

The news I’d been waiting for all day finally came, and it wasn’t the news I’d hoped for. School closures had been announced for next year, and my kids’ school was on the list. My heart ached as I thought about telling them, and about how their beloved teachers and staff were processing the same announcement.

Sadness, grief, and mourning had settled over our home and our community. I knew a long road of transition lay ahead, and it wasn’t one I would have chosen. Even a glance at the headlines turned my stomach. Bad news seemed to be everywhere: school closures, the tragic deaths of those far too young, fears of AI taking over the world.

The world around us can feel so dark. I wonder if that’s how it felt when Jesus came. The prophet Isaiah describes the difference the promised Messiah would make: healing broken hearts, proclaiming freedom and release from darkness, and trading beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, and praise for a spirit of despair. Reading those words stirs up hope for the day Jesus returns, just as He promised.

This passage in Isaiah ends with something that caught my attention: those who receive this healing “will be called oaks of righteousness.” I picture a strong oak tree, solid and steady in the storm, and I imagine my own roots growing deep, anchoring me in Jesus when the winds of bad news hit. I want to be one of those oaks of righteousness, planted by the Lord for the display of His splendor!

Has recent news burdened your heart, dear one? Take it to Jesus and remember: the day is coming when there will never be bad news again.