Do you see yourself in this chapter? This is talking about Israel, but you are part of Israel. Does your righteousness shine? Are you a crown of beauty in the Lord’s hand? Is God’s delight in you? Does God rejoice over you?

How do you know? I know God delights in me. I feel it. I see Him smiling. I feel His pleasure. I hear His words telling me as much. He gives me love gifts throughout the day to let me know He’s thinking of me. He answers my prayers. We live in relationship.

How do you get to become His delight? You shine in righteousness. You repent of all that isn’t of God. You allow God to have His way with your life. You marry Him. You join your life to His and are called by His name. You take on His life and His righteousness. You give up your own. You put yourself in His hand and let Him have you.

If there is sin, repent. If there are things of this world that have your attention and affection, give them up. Give God all your love. If there is something you can’t give up, or know in your heart you don’t want to give up, ask Him for help hating it and getting rid of it. Put it in His hands and ask Him to take it away because your choice is Him, even if your flesh has a different choice at the moment. He takes away sin. He can accomplish anything. Salvation is possible with God!

But this isn’t just about you or me. It’s about all of us. God has His watchmen sounding the alarm. We’re told to not give God rest until Israel is established and secure. We’re to go through the gates ourselves, and we’re to build up the highway to our God. Make ready the way for others to enter into the glorious union of one rewarded with the righteousness of Christ and oneness with the Father.