The book of Isaiah is divided generally into 2 parts - the Book of Judgment (chapters 1-39) and the Book of Comfort (chapters 40-48). Today's passage is taken from the Book of Comfort where Israel is promised deliverance (from Babylon {modern day - Iraq}) and restoration (from her Babylonian Exile {586-538 B.C.}).

The passage opens with very encouraging words for God's people - "I, the Lord, your God, I am holding you by the right hand; I tell you, 'Do not be afraid, I will help you" (v 13). And again in the next verse, God tells God's people, "Do not be afraid … I will help you … " (v 14).

God reassures God's people that though their enemies appear to be "mountains" and "hills" - God will empower them to "thresh" and "crush" them (v 15). God continues to encourage God's people with the promises of "rivers … fountains … lake … waterspring" for those who "thirst"; for those who feel that they are living "on barren heights … valleys … wilderness … dry ground" (v 18). And not only will God provide life-giving water to them, but God will even make the "wilderness" and the "desert" that they perceived they were in - into a flourishing place with "cedar trees, acacias, myrtles, olives … juniper, plane tree and cypress" (v 19).

If ever we find ourselves in a place of fear, of worry and anxiety, of hopelessness, let us remember this passage and draw strength from it.