A Love Song

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
    and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
    and the flame shall not consume you." (Isaiah 43:2)

We recently finished reading the book of Isaiah in our daily Bible reading. Isn't it wonderful the way you can read something in the Bible, then read it again later and get something new? The verse above is one of those new things to me. I've read Isaiah before. More than once. But this last time, the verse (and the one before and several after) just stopped me in my tracks. And when I asked friends on Facebook to tell me their favorite scripture, this was one of them.

I remember as a child being puzzled about how God could be everywhere. Surely, I'm not the only one. We'd sing that hymn about an "all-seeing eye," and honestly? I thought it was weird.

As I grew--in both years and faith--I understood a little better. And then I had children. Having children changed my perspective, my understanding of God and His love for me.

Funny how that happens.

This passage, this promise to the Israelites, is so tender, so moving! I encourage you to read the whole chapter. If you just finished it with our congregation, read it again. And again.

In the first verse, God says, "You are mine." In verse 4, He says, "...you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you ..." And it just goes on like that! Like a love song from God. It's beautiful!

If I believe God loves me, that He will be with me always, how can I be anything less than courageous? Oh, wait! That's how He started the book, isn't it? Telling us to be strong and courageous (Isaiah 1:9). And then He circles back and gives us a reason.

Funny how that happens.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

• God has promised to be with us. Look back at your past and write down times He's been with you. Remember those. Praise Him and thank Him for those times. And be assured He will always be with you.