by Scotty Smith
Those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. “I, even I, am he who comforts you.” (Isa. 51: 11–12 NIV)
Father, words cannot capture my gratitude for the hope these promises bring today. I believe your Word, but free me even more from the unbelief that dogs and dulls my heart. As this day begins, I choose to remember I’ve already been ransomed, redeemed, purchased by Jesus for you. I was bought out of sin, condemnation, and death and brought into your eternal embrace. Thankfully, I’m no longer my own. I’m yours, and you love me because you love me . . . period.
All captivities—the ones I’ve generated and those brought upon me by others—all of them are broken in Jesus. No imprisonment, no bondage, no stronghold will keep me from arriving safely home in the New Jerusalem. 
Jesus, you are my Jubilee, my eternal year of the Lord’s favor. I will enjoy this freedom more fully when the new heaven and new earth arrives, but I am already fully and eternally accepted in you. The saints in heaven are more happy than I am, but they’re not more secure. This standing in grace is just a preview of coming attractions. You are so generous and faithful.
What will it be like when we’re crowned with everlasting joy? What will it sound like when my voice blends in with the entire family of God as we enter the New Jerusalem together? I know what it feels like to be overtaken by guilt and shame, but what will it be like to be overtaken by gladness and joy? Jesus, bring the blessed day when all sorrow and sighing will flee away forever.
Indeed, Jesus, you comfort us like no one else. Forgive me for seeking my comfort from anyone or anything else. Give me enough comfort in the gospel today that I might freely share with others the very comfort I find in you. I pray in Jesus’ merciful name. Amen.
Scotty Smith is founding pastor and pastor emeritus of Christ Community Church (PCA) in Franklin, Tennessee, and currently serves as teacher in residence at West End Community Church in Nashville. He has also planted five daughter churches in the Nashville area. Scotty is an adjunct professor at Covenant Theological Seminary and regularly teaches at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando. His popular daily devotional, Everyday Prayers: 365 Days to a Gospel-Centered Faith (Baker Books, 2011), is available through your favorite bookstore or online at Amazon.com. The above excerpt was reprinted by permission of the author.
