by Kala Loptien

Blessed be the Name

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this Sound Cloud link.

“For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
Isaiah 54:10 English Standard Version

Can you imagine the mountains departing? Whether you live in Colorado Springs or you’ve visited, you can’t deny the profound presence of Pikes Peak. A massive mountain and ever-present reminder of God’s majesty and closeness. He is the creator of all that was and is to come. He is the giver of every good gift. And at times, He also takes away, allowing adversity.

Job experienced this very thing, having every earthly thing taken and mocked by those in his circle. Yet, he pressed onward. With everything gone, he was left with the one thing that matters: God’s presence. After an intense sequence of trials, we see a man stripped of it all and still praising God. With great confidence he proclaims, “My redeemer lives.”

We all have or will experience it at one time or another. Loss. Grief. Division. Heartache. We most likely won’t understand why. Often, if left to our own ways of thinking, we allow confusion and frustration to rule our hearts. It is in these moments that the unsettledness turns into doubt, fear or a deep determination to “figure it out” for ourselves.

But we know these things are not from God. Chaos, confusion, stress and uneasiness are the exact opposite of God’s peace. They are footholds for the enemy. The peace of God is a calm and comforting presence. With Him, there’s compassion, mercy, patience and calm. As Isaiah’s passage tells us, even if we lost everything; even if it all tumbled down and disappeared, HE is with us. His love never fails. His peace will not be removed. He is there – in every battle and every storm. He is steadfast and immovable. That means our faithfulness should not hinge on our circumstances. Call on His name always, and He is already waiting. WE are His beloved children. May the name of the Lord be praised!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado