Sometimes we feel as though we live in the shadowlands, a place that C.S. Lewis described as being forever in shadow: "The sun shone somewhere else, but not here."  The last year has certainly felt like the shadowlands for many of us, hasn't it?  

As difficult as the last year has been, perhaps it has awakened in us a desire for something better.  Because the subtle pull of comfortable, middle-class life is to lull us into thinking that this life is all there is, and that therefore, we must do whatever it takes to be happy NOW.  

God's people also knew a thing or two about difficult circumstances.  Imagine most of our population being carted off to a foreign country by a conquering army and not permitted to return.  Imagine other people living in our houses and using our stuff and enjoying all the benefits of our hard work.

Certainly their ears must have perked up a bit when Isaiah spoke of a vision of "new heavens and a new earth," (Isaiah 65:17) a place where "the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard no more." (65:19)  

In spite of the Israelites' complete rebellion against God, in his mercy God promises a new beginning for those willing to change their ways.  It's good news for us also as we journey through the shadowlands towards New Jerusalem, the place that God is creating "to be a delight and a joy." (65:18)