But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel,“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;I have called you by name; you are Mine!” “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched,Nor will the flame burn you.” “For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior …” “Since you are precious in My sight, Since you are honored and I love you, “Do not fear, for I am with you ….” (Selected Verses Isaiah 43, NASB)
There are streams of water that are quiet and placid and resting near these serene stream sides often brings a comforting peace to our hearts. The water in these gentle steams does not threaten us but reassures us in its tranquility. As we walk along this kind of slow water, we are reflective and calmed. In the midst of busyness and hectic lives, our Lord encourages us to come to the edge of these symbolic quiet and reflective waters where we will be comforted by His presence and peace (Psalm 23:2). He bids us to sit for a while and find the rest that only He can give as both our Savior and Shepherd.
There are other types of flowing waters often called rivers. Rivers can be fast moving as they rage and roar with the water crashing and smashing down the watercourse. The water spills and flows violently over rocks and debris creating swirling tempests that although they might be stunning to look at, are extremely dangerous. Venturing into these fast moving rivers or trying to cross them is not something that is wise.
Yet in our lives, we can find ourselves standing the midst of a river that is very turbulent with swirling tempest like life events or circumstances. We did not chose to venture into these dangerous and life threatening waters and yet we find ourselves desperately trying to cross over to the safety on the other side of the river. Somehow these overwhelming life events throw us into the fray and we are left looking for someone to come to our rescue. Here is the remarkable truth of our faith … the same Lord who bids us to come to the quiet waters as our Shepherd, now plunges into the swirling tempest that surrounds us at this time as our mighty Savior. He comes to steady and save us.
When we are surrounded by the surging rivers of life, it is not the time to be overwhelmed by the deepness of the water or frustrated by the strength of the flow that pushes against us. This is the moment when we should reach for the Savior who gracefully lifts us from the depths of the tempest around us. He will come to us with His steadfast love and far-reaching grace in the midst of the swirling waters.
It is such a blessing … to have both a Shepherd who bids us to come to the peace that only He can give along the quiet waters of life but also a Savior who comes at our calling and plunges into the fray to steady us through the swirling tempest and to carry us to safely by His love to the other side of the river. What an incredible Savior we have!
Come Lord Jesus, come … Come in the midst of this swirling tempest in my life. Come and steady my feet and my heart … to trust in your love, as you take me across this river.
Suggested Reading … Isaiah 43
P.S. I wrote this devotion thinking about my dear cousin , Carol Fuller, who is battling major medical difficulties. This passage from Isaiah 43 will be my prayer for her during this time. I will pray for our Savior to come in the midst of the swirling tempest and steady Carol’s step in the rushing waters as He brings her to health and safety.
