God’s relationship with humankind is both eternal and dynamic. It shapes various attitudes, ways of thinking, and actions that manifest in our daily lives.  Whilst we usually recognise God as the One who seeks us out—as an expression of His grace in the face of our present limitations—in verse 1 He calls upon us to seek Him as well. Interestingly, seeking Him is equated with seeking the truth. This call to seek the truth is closely linked to the efforts of the people in exile to remember and rediscover the legacy of truth established in the time of Abraham and passed down for all time. 

The call to seek Him is, in fact, a call to see and experience the hope that God is bringing about. References to the wilderness being levelled like Eden, and the wilderness being transformed into His garden, remind the people of the event of the creation of the world, where God transformed chaos into beauty and order. Ultimately, God’s people are invited to stay alert and watchful for the signs of the times. When the time comes for God to act and fully restore the universe, then be prepared. Do what is required of us. 

In today’s passage, God proclaims the restoration of Israel. Israel’s oppressors will now be destroyed by God. All this is so that Israel may remain steadfast in following God at all times. So for us today, even though suffering comes in waves, this is no reason to doubt His power. It is precisely at such times that we must remain steadfast in our faith and seek Him continually. We must practise righteousness and goodness in the midst of this turbulent world.