Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
April 29, 2023
Isaiah 43:1-7
1 But now, says the LORD the one who created you, Jacob, the one who formed you, Israel: Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when through the rivers, they won’t sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you won’t be scorched and flame won’t burn you. 3 I am the LORD your God, the holy one of Israel, your savior. I have given Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in your place. 4 Because you are precious in my eyes, you are honored, and I love you. I give people in your place and nations in exchange for your life. 5 Don’t fear; I am with you. From the east, I’ll bring your children; from the west, I’ll gather you. 6 I’ll say to the north, “Give them back!” and to the south, “Don’t detain them.” Bring my sons from far away, and my daughters from the end of the earth, 7 everyone who is called by my name and whom I created for my glory, whom I have formed and made.
Good Morning, Fear not; God is with us!
I am safely home. I had a wonderful trip and am blessed by good friends and special memories. It always amazes me how we often don’t know how much we need time away until we return home.
As I gaze through the fog this morning, I am taking time to look and reflect upon my faith journey. Fog looks like some artistic flair that an artist uses in a painting. You see things, but the edges and the details are blurred. The objects next to you are very clear, but the further away you look, the less visible the image is. Even when I look behind me, the same phenomenon is present. Things that are within reach are reasonably clear, but the further back I look, the more shadows I see.
Our faith journey resembles a foggy morning. Our exact moment in time is clearly visible, but our past begins to fade away as we move forward. We see the significant events, but the small ones fade into the shadows. We see a little way as we look to the future, but the further we try to look, we only catch glimpses of future glory.
Considering our future can be scary. Sometimes even the next step is daunting, but we must never forget that we are not alone. God is with us always. Scripture is filled with words of comfort when we feel unsure. 4 Because you are precious in my eyes, you are honored, and I love you. 5 Don’t fear; I am with you. When Christ is the foundation upon which we build our lives, we need not fear the storms, the floods, or the fires that will come because, with God, we will stand strong. When we feel that we can no longer stand, God will hold us. It gives me peace and joy to know that I have God to cling to in my moments of weakness.
Sometimes the poetry of the King James says it best: For now, we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 1 Corinthians 13:12
Blessed God, We thank you for Your blessings. When we feel lost, You care for us. You call us by name and lead us home. Thank You! In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God will always accompany me on my journey.
Through the storms, God is with us! Pastor Liz
Comments