My heart is aching for a friend whose beloved husband died unexpectedly this morning. I also know several other people who are grieving deeply for loved ones, as well as others who are dealing with trials of various other sorts, so I thought I’d share my musings and prayer suggestions on one of my favorite passages. These words from Isaiah have often sustained me when I’ve felt like everything was too much and I wondered how I’d get through it all.
“But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.’” Isaiah 43:1-2
God reassures us that we need not fear, that we belong to him, that he will be with us through painful trials, and that he will keep us from being destroyed. This week let’s seek to apply these words to our struggles and to develop a greater understanding of what it means to belong to God.
Monday: Meditate on the thought that God personally formed you. Ponder the wonder of God lovingly fashioning you in all your uniqueness.
Tuesday: What do you fear most? God tells us that we need not fear anything, because we belong to him and he’ll keep us in his care through all that comes our way. Bring your fears to him and ask him to keep you in safety.
Wednesday: God made each of us a unique individual and he knows us personally. Listen for whatever ways he might be calling your name, and follow him as the special person he made you to be.
Thursday: God tells us we are his. We belong to him, so we need never feel that we are abandoned or alone. Meditate on this and thank God for this assurance.
Friday: Although we will face difficulties, God is with us and keeps us from being overwhelmed or destroyed. Ask him to help you trust him throughout trials.
Saturday: Read over this week’s passage, pondering each phrase and thinking of how it speaks to your heart. Pray for the ability to incorporate it deeply into your outlook on life. Ask God how you can help and encourage others when they’re going through fiery trials of life.
Hello Melissa,
I have been enjoying your blog so much lately! Thanks for sharing from your heart! You bless me so much! I found today’s blog especially helpful, as I have some friends who are traveling through dark days with health issues that are really dependent upon God’s intervention. I like how you share daily devotions along with your paintings that illuminate them…it is truly beautiful what you are doing with your blog! I see it as a form of ministry! So natural for you! <3
I plan to create my own website soon to showcase my paintings and wish to include my faith journey along with it…as you have. You inspire me so! Bless you as you continue to shine God's glory in your artwork and your blogging! <3
Thank you so much, Corinne, for your very encouraging words! It means a great deal to me to know that what I’m writing is helpful for others. Blessings on you as you start sharing on your website. I look forward to reading what you write and seeing your beautiful artwork.