by Desiree Buestamante

Finding hope on the other side.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking the SoundCloud link. 

“But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you.
    O Israel, the one who formed you says,
‘Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
    I have called you by name; you are mine.
When you go through deep waters,
    I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
    you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
    you will not be burned up;
    the flames will not consume you.
For I am the Lord, your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.’”
Isaiah 43:1-3 New Living Translation

Are you exhausted by the darkness of this world? Are you tired of seeing the hatred, violence, death and destruction that flourishes in a world of sin?  Does weariness overtake your strength when daily you face the edge of deep waters, worried that the next river of difficulty might overwhelm you? Are you fighting a battle with sin, despair or depression and fear you might drown?

When you look at this photo, what do you see? Do you focus on the deep, dark waters that cause you fear or do you see the beautiful light of the sun? Christ is always leading you through the scary, difficult things of life. He walks with you every step of the way, holding you in His mighty arms. Christ gives you strength to reach the other side of the turbulent waters, where His calming spirit awaits. Darkness cannot overcome you, for the light of Christ is always there, painting the clouds with His eternal hope.

Look up and look at the light! Listen to the Lord who created you. He calls you by name and declares His love for you every day. Don’t be afraid of the deep waters. He will bring you through them, for He is your God and your Savior.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado.