Bailey Jean Robert | True Story

Who knew that one verse could do so much? Who knew that one prophecy would change the world? Those are the thoughts that struck me when I first read Isaiah 9:6. I had heard the verse quoted over and over again, played in Christmas music, printed inside Christmas cards, but this was one of the first times I sat with the verse for a while on my own.

When it comes to Bible journaling, I approach the pages a number of different ways. Sometimes, I start with a theme or an image in mind and find a verse to match it. Other times I am in the midst of a devotional and jot down my thoughts in the appropriate chapters. Then sometimes a verse lingers in my mind and the rest of the page fades away. This was the case of Isaiah 9:6.

“For unto us a child is born, 
to us a son is given; 
and the government shall be upon his shoulder, 
and His name shall be called 
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, 
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9: 6

Let’s break it down. “For unto us a child is born.” Yes, this we’ve heard. But think about it a second longer. A CHILD, an innocent babe, was born into this big, scary world with the weight of the world on his tiny shoulders. “To us a son is given.” This makes me think of another familiar verse settled in John chapter 3, reminding us that the Creator of the universe gave us the ultimate gift of his precious and ONLY Son to bring about our salvation. Can you imagine?! How much would you have to love someone and desire a relationship with someone to give up your Son?

The next part I hadn’t considered much before, but a breath of fresh air and comfort swept over me when I did. “…and the government shall be upon his shoulder…” Politics is a taboo dinner topic in my family, especially around the holidays, and an area where much stress and anxiety forms for me when I get wrapped up in the details, he-said, she-said, and campaigns. But it is SO comforting to know that ultimate rule and righteousness are in God, and that Jesus came to step into the places where our earthly leaders lack. Yes and amen!

The last portion of the verse kept the comfort coming, and it is almost a warm blanket I can wrap myself up in each morning and carry with me throughout the day. “…and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” He brings the counsel our hearts so need. He is the almighty God who set the stars in the sky. The father heart of God is beautiful and unfailing, even when and especially when our earthly families fail us. Lastly, he is the Prince of Peace, the God who brings a peace that surpasses all understanding.

I pray that your hearts take comfort in this verse in this season. Don’t let the hustle and bustle of the holidays build you up too far or let you fall for the wrong things, but center on Jesus. Spend time in this ONE verse even for a few minutes, and it will rock your world.

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