12-11-06 Isaiah 29:19

Isaiah 29:19 (KJ21)
The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 29:19 (NAS)
The afflicted also shall increase their gladness in the LORD, And the needy of mankind shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 29:19 (NIVUS)
Once more the humble will rejoice in the LORD; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 29:19 (NLT)
The humble will be filled with fresh joy from the LORD. Those who are poor will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

Getting ahead is something you hear many times during your life, but what exactly does that mean? Pursuing the "almighty" dollar, to the exclusion of all else, is too often what this pursuit entails, However, the Kingdom of Heaven has another meaning for getting ahead and that is what you should pursue.

Others may see you as poor, humble, needy, and weak. Perhaps you have suffered many afflictions that have kept you low. You have busied and occupied yourself with changing that image, and yet you continue to be stooped in depression and are downcast. It seems that your humiliation will never stop. You dwell on your weaknesses and even testify of them.

Instead of rehearsing what you see, you should begin to testify of what God has done and is doing in your life. Then you will begin to see increase, for He will begin to add things to your life again and again. As you exult in Jehovah, the Lord your God, joy and gladness will be yours in abundance. No longer will you appear down and low, but you will show the joy of the Lord to others.

Even though you continue to have wants and needs, as you willingly consent to follow after the Lord, you will rejoice. Then in those times when you seem oppressed and abused, Adonai, the Most High, will send you help and deliver you from trouble.

Therefore, you should determine that you will yield to the Holy One and let your desire be for Him alone. You will no longer tremble in fear, but through Almighty God, and not the "almighty dollar", you will prevail. You will have the power to persevere, as you contend with your enemies. And others will see you as the prince of God, which is your true identity.