Isaiah 54:4 NIV
“Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.”
Isaiah gives Israel hope using an anecdote of a barren widow in this scripture passage. He commences with a reminder of the current situation – Israel’s desolation and shame due to the exile. Isaiah reminds them to do away with their fear and reminder of shame, disgrace, and humiliation. Israel’s hope is in El Elyon, the God Most High.
God promises to comfort Israel and wipe away the shame, like a deserted wife being brought back and comforted. “The Lord will call you back as if you were a wife deserted and distressed in spirit” (Isaiah 54:6 NIV). Isaiah mentions children for the barren widow as an example of God’s promise of faithfulness (Isaiah 54:1).
God promises a fruitful and blessed future where past sorrows will be forgotten. “For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back” (Isaiah 54:7 NIV). “My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed” (Isaiah 54:10 NIV).
As believers, we can also hold on to this hope of God’s promises to restore us from our past shame and desolation. According to the Word, we are required to put our faith in the God of restoration to see the blessings God has promised. We can count on His everlasting kindness for a fruitful and blessed future in Him.
