Isaiah 43:1 – 2 “Now this is what the LORD says— He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
In the center of a candle flame, there is a small still area of peace. And in the midst of our troubles, we can have peace as well. Peace is not a passive emotion but an active one. If we are to have peaceful spirits, we must guard our hearts against the things that can destroy our peace.
Does this mean that we have to be ostriches with our heads stuck in the sand? Far from it! True people of peace realize that there are problems; the question is this: Where is your focus? Are you obsessing about all the things going wrong in your life? Are all your energies engaged in trying to avoid unpleasantness? Life happens, and no matter how hard we try, we will have problems. But we also have the promises of God, promises of hope and promises of peace.
Do you feel isolated and frustrated? God is there. Do you feel that you are carrying heavy loads with no help in sight? God is there. Do you feel that nothing will ever go right in your life? God is still there.
It sounds like a cliche to say that God is only a prayer away, but it is still true. “But,” you say, ”I don’t know how to pray.” Well, fortunately, God hears the cries of our hearts. And even if your prayers consist of “God, help me! I’m in a mess and I can’t get out!” that is a very valid prayer.
Remember when Jesus taught about the two men who went to the temple to pray? The religious leader prayed a long elaborate prayer, praising himself. The poor tax collector, overwhelmed by a sense of his own sin, simply said, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” That simple prayer from the heart reached the Throne of God.
PRAYER: Father God, help! We are stuck in all kinds of problems. Our money is dwindling. Our businesses are failing. Christmas is coming and we aren’t sure how to care for our families. But you have promised to be with us. You said that one of Jesus’ names is Immanuel, “God with us.” Lord, be with us and help us. Amen.
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