“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace: the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” (Isaiah 55:12 NIV)

           This verse speaks of leaving behind captivity or hardship.  Things that can hold you captive are being afraid, fear of being by yourself, being afraid to die, isolation, past demons that haunt you, low self-esteem, a traumatic situation,  self-doubt, shame, guilt, insecurity, fear of failure, past mistakes, survivor’s guilt, self-blame, things that are beyond your control, being slothful, pride, jealousy, and depression to name just a few.  

           When I was very young, I was afraid of being alone.  I always had to be with someone.  One time my sister had to stay after school, she told me to walk home by myself.  I must have been in the 2^nd or 3^rdgrade.  I ran home crying all the way.  I thought something would get me.  I was held captive to my fear.  This fear followed me into high school.  I was even afraid to go into the basement where I slept.  I always had the radio on.  I would say the Lord’s Prayer over and over again.  I would talk to God asking for help and to keep me safe. This fear of the unknown followed me around quite a few years of my life.  As I got closer to God, as my relationship with God grew, I found I was no longer help captive by those fears.

           Learning to deal with the things that hold you captive is the key.  This scripture is a biblical promise of restoration and joyful liberation, often interpreted as God leading His people out of captivity into a new life of peace, joy, and hope.  And this is what God does for us when He leads us out of what is holding us captive in our life.  

So, when the captivity in your life holds you hostage, turn to God: pray, meditate, read the Bible, listen to Christian music, say the Lord’s Prayer over and over, sing, give thanks and ask God to help you face what is holding you captive.  Soon you will go out in joy and be led forth in peace.  It is something to try—go to God.  GodBless.  Amen.

denise