This morning as I read and study more of the word “joy” I am brought to Isaiah 51 and find reference to Zion. I will admit that I have always been confused as to Zion and this morning I dug in a bit more for clarity.
Zion is more than just a place on a map. Yes, there is a physical place of Mount Zion, but Zion is considerably more that just that physical location. It is the Kingdom of God, and therefore will be all encompassing as far as spiritually. We may think in the physical, yet the Kingdom of God is spiritual and can be found any and everywhere. I do not have to go to a place to be with God, I can do so from wherever I might be.
As for joy and Zion.
“3For the LORD comforts Zion;
he comforts all her waste places
and makes her wilderness like Eden,
her desert like the garden of the LORD;
joy and gladness will be found in her,
thanksgiving and the voice of song.”
— Isaiah 51:3 (ESV)
I can find joy in the Kingdom of God. I can find joy in Zion. When I am seeking Zion, I am pursuing righteousness and that is when I will find that joy and gladness.
“1Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness,
you who seek the LORD:
look to the rock from which you were hewn,
and to the quarry from which you were dug.”
— Isaiah 51:1 (ESV)
The joy found in Zion is only for those who are pursuing her, those who are seeking the LORD. That joy IS the joy of the LORD. I have to have hope that I will find, act to seek, and then I will receive at the appointed time.
Joy is found in Zion and is for those pursuing her. I will be one pursuing.
Where are you looking to find joy? Are you looking in the places outside of Zion? What if you were to seek Zion and pursue her knowing that when you seek the LORD, you will find the joy of the LORD there?
Trevor's Thoughts 