Isaiah 45:2-3

I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron.

And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden treasures of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.

Thank-You for this promise, LORD! You'll break those "gates of brass" in our hearts. You will cut away those "bars of iron". You will give us soft, surrendered hearts for Your glory! Oh, thank-You for going BEFORE...for making hearts ready for Your Word. Make these "crooked places" straight. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen!

Now what are these "treasures of darkness" that You promise here? Are the "treasures" Your promises to me from Your Word? And why are they called "treasures of darkness"? Must it be because the best promises come to me in those "dark times" of my life" when all around my soul gives way" and YOU are "all my hope and stay"? And what are the "hidden treasures of secret places?" They must be those "secret promises" that rejoice my heart in those times when I am hurting so badly that I can tell nobody but YOU my deepest sorrows! So thank-You, LORD, that You give me a promise here, the promise that You will continue to give me promises that will encourage my heart. You called me, and I am Yours! I rejoice that You call me by my name and know me intimately. You see and know my secret hurts and comfort me with the "hidden treasures of secret places". And when my secret prayers are answered, I shall really KNOW that You are the LORD, the God of Israel! Amen!