Study Desk

The Lord hasn't lost his powerful strength; he can still hear and answer prayers.

Your sins are the roadblock between you and your God. That's why he doesn't answer your prayers or let you see his face.

It disgusted him even more to learn that no one would do a thing about it. So with his own powerful arm, he won victories for truth.

Justice was the Lord 's armor; saving power was his helmet; anger and revenge were his clothes.

Now the Lord will get furious and do to his enemies, both near and far, what they did to his people.

He will attack like a flood in a mighty windstorm. Nations in the west and the east will then honor and praise his wonderful name.

especially in Jerusalem. He sent me to give them flowers in place of their sorrow, olive oil in place of tears, and joyous praise in place of broken hearts. They will be called "Trees of Justice," planted by the Lord to honor his name.

I celebrate and shout because of my Lord God. His saving power and justice are the very clothes I wear. They are more beautiful than the jewelry worn by a bride or a groom.

Your name will no longer be "Deserted and Childless," but "Happily Married." You will please the Lord ; your country will be his bride.

Your people will take the land, just as a young man takes a bride. The Lord will be pleased because of you, just as a husband is pleased with his bride.

The Lord has given his word and made this promise: "Never again will I give to your enemies the grain and grapes for which you struggled.

Who is this coming from Bozrah in Edom with clothes stained red? Who is this hero marching in his glorious uniform? "It's me, the Lord ! I have won the battle, and I can save you!"

The Lord rescued his people, and said, "They are mine. They won't betray me."

It troubled the Lord to see them in trouble, and his angel saved them. The Lord was truly merciful, so he rescued his people. He took them in his arms and carried them all those years.

Then the Lord 's people turned against him and made his Holy Spirit sad. So he became their enemy and attacked them.

But his people remembered what had happened during the time of Moses. Didn't the Lord bring them and their leaders safely through the sea? Didn't he give them his Holy Spirit?

He led his people across like horses running wild without stumbling.

His Spirit gave them rest, just as cattle find rest when led into a valley. The name of the Lord was praised for doing these things.

You are the only God ever seen or heard of who works miracles for his followers.

If you tremble when the Lord speaks, listen to what he says: "Some of your own people hate and reject you because of me. They make fun and say, ‘Let the Lord show his power! Let us see him make you truly happy.' But those who say these things will be terribly ashamed."