Trustworthy God,
Thank you for your faithfulness, your goodness, and your loving-kindness to us, your children. Thank you that we don’t need to fear because you know us and have called us into relationship with you. Thank you for providing ways through hard things, even when we see no way. You are with us when it seems we are passing through metaphorical waters or walking through metaphorical fire – you said you would never leave us or forsake us. Remind us to immerse ourselves in the reality of who YOU are – not the “reality” we see in the world around us. Help us to give our attention to what you are doing right now and not to worry about what may or may not happen tomorrow. Teach us to trust in you – that you will help us deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. Teach us to trust in your promises, in your Word, but especially your Character. You are the Lord our God, the Holy One, our Savior. Thank you for the spirit of Peace that comes upon us when we trust you. In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen.
“People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. (Matthew 6, MSG)
But now, this is what the Lord says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. (Isa. 43:1-3)
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. (Isa. 43:1-3)
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deut. 31:6