When God Leads You Forward: Finding Joy and Peace in Hard Seasons - October 21, 2025
“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.
The views from a forest tower I climbed in Denmark were amazing. Walking around the circular tower, I saw a 360-degree perspective on the forest and fields below. Lots of evergreen trees and some deciduous trees spread out around me. Then, a mighty wind blew through. The wind was so strong that it moved the tree branches in ways that looked like the trees were clapping their “hands.”
The poetic verse about trees clapping their hands from Isaiah 55:12 is a wonderful image of creation celebrating a time in the future when it will be restored to full harmony with God’s plan for it. Right now, we’re living in a fallen world, but this verse looks forward to a better future that’s coming.
God has a better future coming for you, too. Are you feeling stuck in a difficult situation right now? Isaiah 55:12 encourages you that something better is on its way. God is promising an exit from the troubles of this fallen world. It assures you that “you will go out in joy.” Joy is a strong and lasting confidence that comes directly from God. It’s a spiritual strength you can experience even when dealing with challenges.
Next, the verse says you will “be led forth in peace.” You aren’t expected to find the way on your own. You don’t have to fight your way out of your current situation. You will be led – and your loving Creator will lead you. God will go before you to clear your path and serve as your personal guide. When God leads you, you’ll be in a state of peace. The peace God gives you is perfect and strong enough to calm your anxious mind, quiet your racing thoughts, and reassure you that everything is under God’s control.
So, you have two constant companions on this journey forward: joy and peace. What happens next is amazing. As God leads you forward, creation itself responds. The verse continues by saying: “the mountains and hills will burst into song before you.” What are the “mountains and hills” in your own life? Think about the overwhelming problems you’re dealing with – obstacles that block your view of the better future God has planned for you, making you feel small and powerless. This verse promises a remarkable change when it describes how those obstacles that once intimidated you will be transformed into a choir singing to celebrate what God is doing in your life. Instead of discouraging you, they’ll join you in celebrating God’s faithfulness in your life.
Then this wondrous verse says: “and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” Imagine walking through a field where every tree is applauding you. It will be like all of nature is giving you a standing ovation, cheering you on as you walk on the path God has made for you. In this awe-inspiring future God has planned, all creation will celebrate the Creator’s redeeming work together!
This verse is a picture of the hopeful future God has for you. It’s a truth you can hold onto when you need a fresh dose of hope. Your current struggles don’t define your future, but by God’s powerful promises. God will make a way for you to move forward and lead you with joy as your strength and peace as your comfort. In the future, the problems that overwhelm you will eventually be overwhelmed by God’s greater power, and you’ll be part of a big celebration!
Let’s pray:
Dear God, thank you for your promise in Isaiah 55:12. Right now, I confess that I sometimes feel stuck and overwhelmed by my problems. But I believe your promise that you will lead me into a better future. Please replace my anxiety with your peace, and fill my soul with a joy that doesn’t depend on my circumstances. Help me trust you as my guide and see my biggest obstacles as opportunities to rely on your strength more. Thank you for promising that a future of joy and peace is waiting for me. I’m ready to follow you there! Amen.
Photo credit: Unsplash/Emma Simpson
Related Resource: Soft Words for Hard Days: A Conversation with Aundi Kolber
Some days feel heavy. Some moments leave us wondering how to keep going. If you’ve ever longed for encouragement amid life’s hardest moments, I have a special episode of The Love Offering for you. This week, I’m joined by therapist and bestselling author Aundi Kolber to discuss her latest book, Take What You Need: Soft Words for Hard Days. This beautiful collection of quotes, scriptures, prayers, and gentle exercises is designed to be a balm for your most tender places—a reminder that you are never alone on your journey to healing.
In our conversation, we explore:
✨ How to hold space for yourself and others in difficult seasons
✨ The power of compassionate words when life feels overwhelming
✨ Practical ways to embrace healing and take one more step forward
If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to The Love Offering on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
