The Valley of Eden

“The LORD will comfort Zion; He will comfort all her ruins. And He will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and sound of a melody.” – Isaiah 51:3 NASB

One day in 1875, William Cushing received what he described as a vision. In this vision, he saw a river rolling beneath him “like a mighty tide” and “an enchanted land” with hills and valleys that “were sleeping in a heavenly calm. It was more beautiful than words can tell.”

He realized God was giving him a glimpse of what He had prepared for His people. Thus inspired, Cushing wrote a hymn called “Beautiful Valley of Eden.”

He saw how God had prepared a “place where everything was calm,” with a balm for “the weary.” It was a place with “rest, sweet rest” from life’s trials. This was “the home of my Savior.” Throngs of people whose sins had been forgiven lifted their voices with a “great new song.” And people were singing God’s praises.

Cushing realized that we may experience troubles in the world, but the Bible assures us that God knows what we are going through. He promises that all our efforts will be worth it all. As Cushing reminded us, God has prepared a wonderful reward for those who have been faithful. A place filled with perfect peace, perfect forgiveness, perfect health, joy and gladness, thanksgiving, and praise.

Today, let God take away your fears and worries and give you His peace. Rejoice! Regardless of what you are going through, you can trust Him!

Reflection Question: Compose a prayer giving your specific worries to God.