“A voice of one calling: “In the desert prepare the way for the Lord, make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; The rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain…” Isaiah. 40:3-4
Are You Ready?
In the days of Isaiah, it was the custom for a herald to travel ahead of the king and clear the way to ensure easy and safe travels for the king. This process included building bridges, making causeways, removing boulders, straightening crooked roads, filling in valleys, and flattening hills. Moreover, it was also the responsibility of the town to which he was traveling to help prepare the way into the center of their city. If the road the king was traveling became too rocky, treacherous, hilly, etc., he would change his route thus bypassing that town or city altogether.
That said, I can’t help but think of how I can be preparing myself. More specifically, how I can be preparing my heart for the ushering in of God’s presence for 2022.
Consider obstacles that would prevent the arrival of God’s presence into your heart. Perhaps unconfessed sin, unforgiveness, bitterness, lack of faith, pride, lack of prayer, apathy, busyness, etc. Is there anything that the Lord would have you take care of? Maybe you need to remove some big boulders or build some bridges. Perhaps there is just a little too much rubble in your heart and things have gotten crowded. Are there some crooked places that need straightening out? Are there any gaps (spaces) in your heart that need to be filled in?
I can’t answer those questions for you, but what I can say with confidence is God wants to be at the center of your heart in 2022. Let us end this year like the herald who goes out with intention to prepare the way of the Lord. Make ready and make room for the King of ALL Kings!
