“When you pass through the waters, I am with you; when you pass through the streams, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not harm you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your deliverer.” Isaiah 43:2-3
Lord our God,
Isaiah’s words bring to mind the parting of the Red Sea and the fiery furnace. And there are those in the news or who we know who are literally going through flooding. At times I have felt like I am going through situations that are insurmountable or have me worried and anxious. You do not always take us, me round them but You have steered and helped me through.
Isaiah was talking to the Israelites in captivity in Babylon. A Godless, idolatrous sinful city. Facing loss of freedom and persecution, represented by deep water, flowing water, and fire and Your judgement for sin. These verses reminded them that You took their forefathers through the Red Sea to safety and drowned their enemies. (Exodus 14:21-22). You dried up the swollen springtime River Jordan for a band of priests carrying the Ark into the promised land (Joshua 3:14-17). You protected Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego when thrown into a fiery furnace for refusing to worship any god but You. They could turn to You again for help and trust You.
Today it reminds me that when I come to trouble or the end of my life, You are my Saviour. You will see me through and Heaven will be mine and the flames will not touch me because of Jesus. Help us to trust You and know the certainty of Your presence now today.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Lord our God,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. Help us hand over all our concerns and hopes for them to You..
For our church fellowships, ministers, officials, congregations. For help to continue and grow.
For those whose rest is disrupted by shift work or nights nursing or caring for others.
For those drowning in debt and low incomes. Help and support.
For King Charles, the Queen and the royal family as they seek to serve the nation.
For our government and their families. Amidst the many words and promises raise up good men and women to serve for the nations best.
For Ukraine a withdrawal of Russian troops. Lead them to peace and end to oppression.
For all areas where there is war, military oppression and civil war. Myanmar, Gaza, Sudan, Afghanistan, North Korea, Nigeria . . .
For Zion, for Jerusalem today, to find a way for peace with all its neighbours.
For those who find themselves in deep water literally or struggling with health or trauma.
For our local community neighbours, doctors, dentists, police and schools.
For emergency workers not to be overwhelmed by what they are faced with. Provision for all they need in equipment, water, food, medical supplies.
For ourselves, grace to live today Monday and find Your arms around us all day and night too.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 15th January 2024
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word
What more can He say than to you He hath said
To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled.
Fear not, I am with thee; oh be not dismayed
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.
Verse not sung but included here.
(When through the deep waters I call thee to go
The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress)
When through fiery trials thy pathways shall lie
My grace all sufficient shall be thy supply
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.
The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose
I will not, I will not desert to its foes
That soul, though all hell should endeavour to shake
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake
Lyrics: Author known as ‘K’ in John Rippon’s A Selection of Hymns 1787
CD: Fernando Ortega, Hymns of Worship, Word Entertainment.