When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:2
The photo in my text stream showed flames shooting into the sky from the roof of our local Walmart. Early reports blamed vandals and thieves for multiple fires set in at least three departments of the store during the evening shopping hours. Fortunately, neither employees nor shoppers were hurt.
Our rural, mountain community has few stores to choose from, and the news that one of those would be closed for the unforeseeable future added another layer to the discouragement building since COVID became a part of our world almost two years ago. Inflation, unemployment, illness, supply chain problems. The list goes on and on. While watching the local news for details, I wonder how many times a day my mind wanders to simpler times fraught with less frustration and uncertainty.
My husband’s retirement, along with increasing fuel prices, meant fewer trips to the nearest city. As we do our weekly shopping, we often voice our gratitude for good stores close by. Our lives just became a little more complicated and necessary tasks a little more time-consuming. A microcosm of what is wrong in the world right now.
When Isaiah penned these words, he had nothing as mundane as shopping convenience in mind. 
The Jewish people have endured life-threatening situations, continuing to this day. However, the words came to mind as I pondered the changes to our routine. It is easy to become discouraged, as we approach yet another holiday season, impacted by constraints on our normal activities.
We live in troubled times. And the approach of the holidays presents a challenge for many who struggle with depression, loneliness, loss, and tight financial situations.
However, God’s word to us is the same, whether we deal with minor frustrations or major life crises. As I read the rest of Isaiah’s forty-third chapter, many phrases reminded me of God’s care and concern over every aspect of our lives, for He is faithful in all things. God wants us to seek His wisdom and His way of dealing with circumstances.
I see God calling me to rethink the way I do things and to determine if what I see as necessary really is important. Perhaps I need to throw out some habits, rethink others, or develop new habits.
Whether the challenges I face are large or small, the God who reigns over all is big enough to triumph over all of them. When I look again at Isaiah 43, I see that verse one starts with a powerful reminder: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” What comfort!
The chapter continues with reminder after reminder, and God says plainly, “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me, no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me, there is no savior. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed—I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “that I am God” (vs. 10-13).
For people who know the Lord, those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior, there is always hope. And the hope rests in the simple reality of who He is. God. The only Savior. The one, true, living God.
If the condition of the world has you down, if the circumstances of your life are too great to bear, or if you are battered and afraid, lonely, and struggling, turn to God. Seek His Son, Jesus. Confess your need for Him. Trust Him. Seek to know and understand who He is.
No worldly crisis, no personal pain and struggle, and no fear or trial are too difficult for God. If you need help, come to Him. He offers help, hope, and healing.
In that, we can give thanks.
I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19
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Image by Shirley Hirst from Pixabay leaves-57427_1280
