“Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.”
-Isaiah 40:4

I have to admit, this was a challenging reflection for me to write. To gain a better understanding of this short passage, I took time to reflect on several commentaries on the book of Isaiah. One of the more common interpretations of this passage is that it speaks to each of us as individuals and (metaphorically) tasks us with reflecting on our “rough places” to better prepare for the Lord. This makes sense- use prayer to reflect on our day to day interactions and make the rough places easier to travel.

A second interpretation (one that holds more hope for me right now), is that these words point to the power of the Lord as he observes the current state of the world, nation, and communities. I am certain that the Lord is not surprised, and it is a comfort that in his time, in his way, injustices in the world (uneven ground) and obstacles (mountains) are not beyond his reach. It is easy to feel powerless (and yet still want to be responsible) in the face of the pandemic, political divisions, and economic challenges we face. I take comfort in knowing that we don’t face these circumstances alone.

Lord, I ask that you give me eyes to see your work in the world around me, in small and great things. I ask you to calm my mind so that I can experience gratitude for your hand in the affairs of each day. Amen.
-Lara Cole