God Speaking

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you”

(Isaiah 43: 2)

Apprehension, anxiety, fear of the future is sweeping over many parts of the world and lockdowns and isolation is heightening these feeling in many people but for those already struggling with depression it has an even more powerful affect. I have a young friend who is caught in this dilemma and finding it very difficult to cope. I was praying for her early one morning and then I went to read the passage set for my Bible study and it was these beautiful words from the Lord spoken through the prophet, Isaiah,  (Isaiah 43: 1-2) sent to God’s people to comfort them as they were struggling in difficult times.  As I finished reading them, I felt these words were meant for my young friend.

This is the amazing outcome of God’s powerful words. Later when I phoned my friend to read them to her, I was startled by her response. I was greeted by a glad response. She recognised the words but had forgotten them and said she sang a song using these exact words when she was younger, but never knew they were from the Bible and I did not know they were a song. Later she sent me the song and as I listened, I cried at the goodness of our Lord to send to my friend, just what she needed to hear. She now can sing the song when she feels like she is being swept away.

The Lord constantly reminded the children of Israel, and the reminders are still relevant for us, that He cares for us whatever situation we find ourselves in and that he is always nearby, never too busy to listen.  All we need do is talk to him and tell him the fears that are assailing us

“The lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him.” (Deuteronomy 4: 7)

While I was thinking still about the image of rushing waters, I thought of the other image of our Lord Jesus Christ that is so powerful to hang on to. The Rock!

We know if we are ever caught in a swirling river, hanging on to a rock can be a life saver. Jesus uses this well, known parable to illustrate the power of rock. He tells of two builders who are going to build a house. One chooses to build on rock, the other chooses to build on sand. When storms blow, it is obvious who chose the right location. The house on the sand is swept away while the one built on the rock stands firm.

“The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” (Matthew 7: 25)

We have somebody like a rock to hang on to while the storms of life swirl around us . We just have to call out to him, and he will be there right beside us.