In God’s Hands

⁸ The LORD said: At the right time, I answered you; on a day of salvation, I helped you. I have guarded you, and given you as a covenant to the people, to restore the land, and to reassign deserted properties, ⁹ saying to the prisoners, “Come out,” and to those in darkness, “Show yourselves.” Along the roads animals will graze; their pasture will be on every treeless hilltop. ¹⁰ They won’t hunger or thirst; the burning heat and sun won’t strike them, because one who has compassion for them will lead them and will guide them by springs of water. ¹¹ I will turn all my mountains into roads; my highways will be built up. ¹² Look! These will come from far away. Look! These from the north and west, and these from the southland. ¹³ Sing, heavens! Rejoice, earth! Break out, mountains, with a song. The LORD has comforted his people, and taken pity on those who suffer. ¹⁴ But Zion says, “The LORD has abandoned me; my Lord has forgotten me.” ¹⁵ Can a woman forget her nursing child, fail to pity the child of her womb? Even these may forget, but I won’t forget you. ¹⁶ Look, on my palms I’ve inscribed you; your walls are before me continually.