ISAIAH 43:2 ESV
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”
Sometimes we might find ourselves stuck in a place we don’t want to be and don’t know how to get out of. Maybe we’ve reached out and tried to make changes or find a better path, only to end up back in the same place, day after day, feeling discouraged. Times of struggle, grief, or need can leave us feeling unsure and fearful. But Psalm 23:4 boasts this comforting statement: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (ESV).
When children are exploring, sometimes they walk, grab, open, and push everything as their curiosity gets the best of them. Other times—when they don’t dare go alone—they reach for the finger of someone bigger to join them in their discovery. And with that grip secure, they can do anything. Similarly, in times of fear or uncertainty, GOD offers His saving hands for us to hold. He will walk with—even sometimes carry—us through the shadowy places. We have the promise of a GOD who will join us for the journey.
“We can rest in the knowledge that he holds our past, present, and future. In the end, if we don’t have GOD, we don’t have anything other than an end.” Craig D. Lounsbrough
“GOD never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile.”
Max Lucado
For Further Reflection:
Deuteronomy 31:8
"The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged”
ISAIAH 45:2
"I will go before you and level the mountains; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron.”
PRAYER:
My Heavenly FATHER, thank You for the promise that You will be with me always. As I walk through these dark days, I know You see me, but sometimes I can’t see You. I can’t sense You. Help me to reach out to Your mighty finger that will never let me go. I pray this in the Mighty Name of JESUS. Amen.
NOTE: Paul's reaction as he reminds us of this powerful song:
Reacted ❤️ to “Amen, PW! We know the why behind the old song:
When you walk through a storm
Hold your head up high
And don't be afraid of the dark
At the end of a storm
There's a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of a lark
Walk on through the wind
Walk on through the rain
Though your dreams be tossed and blown
[Chorus]
Walk on, walk on
With hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone
You'll never walk alone
Walk on, walk on
With hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone
You'll never walk alone
Why do we have the blessed hope in our hearts? Why shall we never walk alone? Why do we have confidence to walk through storms? For Emmanuel walks beside us, accompanies us from within...strengthening our thoughts and our hearts in Him. I praise You, Lord Jesus, for You have taken our fears, our misgivings, our disappointments and hurts upon Yourself. Ours is only the fear of God that guides, guards and gently leads us, corrects us and keeps us going. We are Yours, each step of the way. 🙌✝️❤️💨☝️”