In, Amidst and Through
Do not fear for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine. I will be with you when you pass through waters, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. You will not be scorched when you walk through the fire, and the flame will not burn you. Isaiah 43:1-2
Our days here are beautifully and perfectly interwoven timelines—painful and joyous. Individual lifespans intersect and overflow into one another, sharing in and isolating from grief, success, friendship, loss, fear, and love.
We inhabit the ebb and flow of an existence too great and wondrous to comprehend. Like torrents tearing features into the surface of the earth, our souls are shaped through submersion in a flood of eternal force.
In the heat of the moment, by flames of passion, or through a spark flicked off the edge of a hard word, we spend many of our days engulfed in fire.
We are destined for lives of fire and water; environments that test and change us. We are—within and without—molded by motion.
This constant and innate awareness of movement and lack of movement can pull us out of the present moment—the exact point in time where Jesus longs to meet us.
When we look at the passage above, we read the word of God through the prophet Isaiah, “Do not fear for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine.”
The Father’s promise of redemption is backed by His assurance to be present in moments of violent upheaval—spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical testing. He is Emmanuel, “God with us,” in this very moment. Let’s take a few minutes to fix our eyes on the God who is here, now.
Take a few deep breaths as we prepare our hearts to engage the Presence of God.
Read:
“Do not fear for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine.”
Say:
Lord, have mercy.
Pray:
Lord, You call me by name right now in my grief, my celebration, my insecurity, and my whimsy. I bless You, Jesus, the ever-present Lover of my soul.
Read:
“I will be with you when you pass through waters, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you.”
Say:
Christ, have mercy.
Pray:
Father, show me how to lean on You and trust You in my overwhelm. I believe that You are able to uphold me. Help me in the parts of my heart that don’t believe.
Read:
“You will not be scorched when you walk through the fire, and the flame will not burn you.”
Say:
Lord, have mercy.
Pray:
Holy Spirit, remind me that You have given me Your courage and boldness. Allow me to remember Your words and cling to them. I rely completely on You.
Amen.