Not Afraid

Not Afraid
If you were about to lose your house to something catastrophic (fire, flood, etc.), what three things would you take with you?
How would you describe the concept of feeling safe? How is it different than being safe?

Read this passage from Isaiah and watch for the threats. Then listen for how God promises safety:

But now, this is what the Lord says
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

Before me no god was formed,
nor will there be one after me.
I, even I, am the Lord,
and apart from me there is no savior.
I have revealed and saved and proclaimed—
I, and not some foreign god among you.
You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “that I am God.

“Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.
The wild animals honor me,
the jackals and the owls,
because I provide water in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland,
to give drink to my people, my chosen,
 the people I formed for myself
that they may proclaim my praise.  Isaiah 43: 1-3; 10-12; 18-2

• What do you think is most fearful about the “waters” or “fire” in verse 2?
• What “waters” or “fire” are you/we currently experiencing? What’s most fearful about them?
• In what ways are we assured that God is with us even in difficult times?
• What do these verses tell us about God?

4821 Ponderings:
What “new thing” would you like God to create in your life?”

Prayer:
Father in heaven, Your promises to us are great, and You never fail us. Why do we doubt? Empower us to abide in You, and embolden us to live as people of the Light so that others may know Your redeeming love, through Christ. Amen.

Here’s a high energy song that illustrates this promise:  Not Afraid