Hephzibah

Daily Scripture Threshing for Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Today's Text: Isaiah 62:1-12

Key Verse: Isaiah 62:4 (NIV): "No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the Lord will take delight in you, and your land will be married."

We have a verse mostly wrongly used and understood by many today. A verse that is not a promised to claim; but a declaration of restoration and joy to be lived out for God's people. It is symbolized by a new name, Hephzibah, meaning "My delight is in her." While this speaks to God's unconditional favor and joy in His people. It's both a reminder and a challenge. Whereas God's love and delight are not based on our performance or worthiness, but on His own character and love for us.

This is where the challenge lies, if we check our lives today in view of God's unconditional love, do we embrace that love and trust in His faithfulness, even when we feel undeserving or forgotten?

Yes, God is unconditional favor is upon us. He "delights in us" (Isaiah 62:4). This means God chooses to be pleased with us, not because of anything we've done, but because of His own nature. He chooses that we who once had negative labels will no longer be known by the label of forsaken or our land desolate; instead, we will be called "Hephzibah" which being interpreted means, my delight is in her.

As you reflect on this scripture, ask yourself. Do you trust in God's faithfulness even when you feel unlovable or unworthy? Are you living as someone in whom such love is expended upon? Do you trust in His goodness and faithfulness, knowing that He is pleased with you and His love for you is unwavering? Do you delight in the God who delights in you and enjoy His presence? I tell you, friend, just as a city rejoices in its restoration, you can rejoice in God's promise to restore and delight in His people. God's love and pleasure in you. Is your love and pleasure in God?

Action Steps: Reflect on God's delight in you and how it shapes your identity and actions. Share this delight with others by showing them kindness, compassion, and love. Pray for those around you, asking God to reveal His delight in them and to bring restoration to their lives.

Quote for the Day: "God does not save a man and not give him a new identity in Christ. The evidence that youbare a changed man is that you are different from who you used to be, and Hod can delight in, and be glorified through you." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Let Us Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your delight in us. Help us to live in the knowledge of this delight and to share it with others. Give us the grace to show Your love and compassion to those around us, and may Your delight in us be a beacon of hope to a world in need — in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.

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Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: Isaiah 54:5, Zephaniah 3:17, Psalm 149:4.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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