Safe in God

Toward a New Creation
Life on God's Terms

Not without Hope

Isaiah 54:9-17  The Message

^9-10 “This exile is just like the days of Noah for me:
    I promised then that the waters of Noah
    would never again flood the earth.
I’m promising now no more anger,
    no more dressing you down.
For even if the mountains walk away
    and the hills fall to pieces,
My love won’t walk away from you,
    my covenant commitment of peace won’t fall apart.”
    The God who has compassion on you says so.
^11-17 “Afflicted city, storm-battered, unpitied:
    I’m about to rebuild you with stones of turquoise,
Lay your foundations with sapphires,
    construct your towers with rubies,
Your gates with jewels,
    and all your walls with precious stones.
All your children will have God for their teacher—
    what a mentor for your children!
You’ll be built solid, grounded in righteousness,
    far from any trouble—nothing to fear!
    far from terror—it won’t even come close!
If anyone attacks you,
    don’t for a moment suppose that I sent them,
And if any should attack,
    nothing will come of it.
I create the blacksmith
    who fires up his forge
    and makes a weapon designed to kill.
I also create the destroyer—
    but no weapon that can hurt you has ever been forged.
Any accuser who takes you to court
    will be dismissed as a liar.
This is what God’s servants can expect.
    I’ll see to it that everything works out for the best.”
        God’s Decree

For Reflection

Sometimes we forget God's promise to abide with us.  Especially when trouble enters our lives.  We wonder whether God is still there when we see little sign of the pain of living abating.  We become short-sighted and focus only on the present.

We are made in the likeness of God.  If we suffer then surely God suffers with us.   God is not the cause of pain.  God did not send the torment.  God will see that everything will work out for the best.

Pray

for patience.  Pray prayers of lament.  Pray about your disappointments.  Pray that you will survive the current torments.  Pray so that you will know God and that you will be able to see God's hand in yours, comforting, and guiding you into a better tomorrow.