God is with Us

Australia is a land of sweeping plains, rugged mountain ranges, droughts and flooding rains. Our region had experienced years of drought. Then last summer three floods came across our farm in a three-month period. We were safe but surrounded by water. We did not lose any livestock, but we did lose crops, which left us with a financial loss. Fences and roads were swept away and debris was left everywhere. The clean-up kept us busy for months.

My eyes were opened when I read today’s reading from Isaiah: ‘When you pass through the waters, I will be with you’ (v. 2)—‘when’ not ‘if’! We will pass through waters and walk through fire; but God promises, ‘I am the Lord your God… your Saviour… Do not fear, for I am with you’ (vv. 3, 5). We can trust in God because he is faithful. When we realise what God has done for us, we don’t need to be afraid of whatever disasters happen in the world. God has formed us and called us by name. He loves us, redeems us and blots out our sins. What a privilege to belong to such a great and gracious God!

Prayer: We love you, Lord. When the flood and fire comes, we are thankful for your presence with us. What a comfort it is to know that you are our God, the Holy One, our Saviour! Amen