God Speaking

“A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out”

(Isaiah 42: 3)

As another new year approaches, many of us have doubts about how we will face the challenges the new year will bring. Some of us have been damaged by many different events happenings this past year which have created havoc and ravaged our lives. Some have lost dearly loved ones, some have lost jobs, their reputations, some have experienced failures and have lost confidence in themselves, some have begun to think they are worthless. Scripture has a beautiful picture of what this might feel like…

“bruised reeds” What a revealing picture this expression paints. A reed trampled upon until bent over unable to think about standing tall again

“a smouldering wick” Again a fitting description of one whose light has nearly been extinguished, and has no strength left to create any warmth.

The incredible, good news for all of us who love the Lord is this!

The Lord knows and sees all those bruised reeds and smouldering wicks and has compassion on us.

He promises the bruised reed will not break under pressure but will once again stand tall. The smouldering wicks will not be allowed to be snuffed out but will once again shine brightly.

The Lord has been called the God of Comfort and in the book of Lamentations he reminds us of his great compassion for his loved ones

“Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3: 22 – 23) 

The part I like the best in this verse is, “new every morning” Healing always takes time and the Lord doesn’t expect instant results that is why he reminds us that he will be ready every morning to help that bruised reed stand tall and every morning he is ready to brighten that smouldering wick.

Jeremiah, who wrote the book of Lamentations, certainly needed God’s help to survive the day as he was constantly attacked for his faith. But he also wrote these words to help him remember who his help was when he felt downcast;

“Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope.” (Lamentations 3: 21)

We sing a beautiful song in our church entitled. Our Hope Is In You Lord and depending on the Lord to help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of faith in the one who loves us just the way we are. David had a beautiful prayer to keep him upright through life and one we can say to guide us through this coming year;

“Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Saviour, and my hope is in you all day long. (Psalm 25: 4 – 5)