March 12, 2023 - Isaiah‬ ‭43:1-2

“The Lord created Jacob and formed Israel. Now, this is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid, because I have reclaimed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through the sea, I am with you. When you go through rivers, they will not sweep you away. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned, and the flames will not harm you.” Isaiah 43:1-2 GW

Lord, we thank you so much that with you we do not have to fear. You tell us again and again to not be afraid. We belong to you, and we thank you for what that means. You cherish us and love us perfectly. We never escape your sight, love, or care. Lord, you know us so intimately. You know us better than we know ourselves. You know what we really need and what we can really handle. And you always want what is best for us and what will cause us to grow and be strengthened the most. Help us lean into you, depend on you, and grow in you. We don’t want fear or frustration to cause us to push away from you. I thank you that your perfect love casts out fear. I ask that you help us learn to understand your love for us more and learn to trust you fully.

We thank you so much that no matter what we face, you are with us. We thank you so much that the sea can’t overcome us. The wildest rushing river can’t sweep us away. No matter how hot the fire is, it can’t burn us. Those things can only happen if we turn away from you and don’t trust you. Help us to learn to be so focused on you that the situations we find ourselves in don’t ruffle us at all. Help us learn not to allow the things the enemy means to harm us to penetrate us. Help us learn to be quick to forgive and offer love. Help us grow to that level of trust in you. Thank you so much for how you care for us and how trustworthy you are!

In Jesus name, amen.