“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” Isaiah 43:2a
I love the Book of Isaiah; Chapter 43 is a particular favorite. The imagery plays like a movie reel in my mind as God, through the words of His prophet, expresses His love for and protection over Israel.
Have you experienced a time when trials and difficulties seemed to flood over you like water from a waterfall? Those seasons are inevitable on this side of eternity. But take heart; we have the assurance of God’s deliverance and hope.
What comes to mind when you think of rough waters? Perhaps you imagine yourself on a small boat over deep seas when an unexpected storm blows in. Maybe you feel the tug of swift waters quickly taking your small raft from peaceful, quiet waters into fast whitewater among dangerous rocks and boulders.
I get it. An alarming phone call in the middle of the night, the passing of a loved one, scary medical test results, and a thousand other life events can transport us from still waters to rough seas in an instant. The storm blows in. Swift waters pull you where you would rather not go.
Isaiah 43:2a says “when” (not if) you pass through the waters. Everyone experiences trials and difficulties, symbolized here by “the waters.” You may feel like you are drowning when you go through hard times. A heavy weight bears down on you, and it’s hard to breathe. The waves knock us down, and the swift water runs over us. It’s a struggle to get up. Fear begins to rise and, like the waters, threatens to overtake us.
But there is good news! The prophet reminds us not to fear. God is with us; we are His.
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1b
God promises His presence and protection during challenging times. When you feel the waters of troublesome situations threatening to drown you, He will be there to ensure they don’t. God will never leave us or forsake us in our times of trouble.
I love to listen to the sound of water flowing over rocks. It’s a serene, happy, and peaceful sound. I also like the sound of waves at the beach. The combination of the breeze and the sound of the waves hitting the beach calms my spirit in a quick minute. When we pass through the difficult waters, He is with us. He gets us through, leads us to quiet, peaceful waters, and fills our hearts with His peace.
Many years ago, while on a mission trip to West Africa, God used a sermon in this chapter to catch my attention and stir my soul. He is with me everywhere and all the time. If you are His, He is with you as well. You aren’t walking through the waters alone. The Creator of all things walks with you.
I hope you feel His presence and love. Lean on Him. Trust His steady hand as He holds you close and leads you safely through the chaotic waters of life.
Charlene Miller
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#charlenemillerblogs