2640) When I study the Bible or while I’m writing these “minutes”, I often consult several versions of the Bible. The formatting varies slightly with each one.

While looking up Isaiah 35:4 in the New International Version, it has a title of the chapter that caught my eye. It reads, Joy of the Redeemed.

I read the chapter, and my eye stopped on verse 4. It reads, …be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.

Why does this bring joy? Let’s first think about the difference between joy and happiness.

Happiness usually refers to a specific time filled with a temporary emotion. It comes and goes. Joy is nurtured within and is always present no matter what the circumstances are.

Isaiah 35 reminds us that because God redeemed us – which means to buy back or to set a captive free based on love and not on whether the person deserves it. If you spend just a few minutes thinking about this very thing, joy can well up within. It truly is something remarkable.