“Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days. The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses. Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers an singing and joy! The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon, as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plan of Sharon. There the Lord will display His glory, and the splendor of our God.
With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands and encourage those who have weak knees. Say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.’
And when He comes, He will open the eyes of the blind, and unplug the ears of the deaf. The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy! Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the wasteland. The parched ground will become a pool, and springs of water will satisfy the thirsty land. March grass and reeds and rushes will flourish where desert jackals once lived.” (vv. 1-7, NLT)