Monday, September 4, 2023

From Monday, October 26, 2020

But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.

(Isaiah 43:1)

Have you ever been in a difficult season? I think that most of us have. In those moments, many of us cry out to God, because the pain feels like the antithesis to a loving God. Why would a loving God allow me to lose a loved one? How could God see my pain and say that He cares about me? God, is this a cruel joke? I even saw a meme on Facebook that said that God is taking all His PTO days in 2020.

In the text for today, God is talking to the nation of Israel. God had created and redeemed them. Despite their tumultuous past, God had not deserted them. In fact, God went to great lengths to redeem them. He delivered them from Egypt, accompanied them in the wilderness wanderings, fought for them in battles to occupy the Promised Land, and rescued them countless times while being led by judges and kings. Despite the time or situation, God never left them. They belonged to Him and He belonged to them.

We must remember that it is the same with you. Our God promised that He would never abandon you. Despite how difficult the situation, you are His. That means that God, your Creator and Sustainer, is always with you. Nothing separates you from His love.

Prayer: Dear Lord, there have been times when I felt alone, but I know that You are with me. Lord, I pray that you give me the grace to lean on your everlasting arms knowing that I belong to you and You belong to me. Thank you for this covenant of grace. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.