For I am with you, says the LORD

https://odb.org/2024/12/09/encouragement-in-a-box

As we are not creatures of the water, passing through deep waters is always risky and to some even a dangerous endeavour. It is thus a good picture of what could lie ahead in life. We may be the cautious kind and only walk on dry land and avoid rivers or sea, but life, especially life in Christ, can not be lived without taking some risks. This is because we live by faith, and faith is believing in things unseen. Often, we need to take a leap of faith, trusting that our Lord will be there to let us have a soft landing. Sometimes, we do get hurt a little, but we pray that it will heal over time.

We trust that, as Paul has taught, our God will make all things good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Things will work out so long as we are moving in the general direction of His will for our lives. Things will work out if we do things for the sake of His kingdom as we take Jesus’s advice to seek ye first the Kingdom of God and all these shall be added unto you. 

The exaltation for us this morning and for this week is that the LORD will be with us. In Isaiah 43:5, speaking to the Israelites, the LORD said, “Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west“. The LORD had a similar reassurance to Joshua when he was leading the Israelites and was about to enter the Promised Land of Canaan – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

Do not be afraid to live out the life the LORD our God has planned for us since the foundations of the world. For He is with us wherever we go. Jesus Christ has redeemed us. We are a new creation in Christ. Allow Him to sanctify our dreams and ambitions. May we dwell in the house of the Lord forever, and may the goodness and mercy of God be with us the rest of our days! Amen!

Have a good week ahead, everyone! Strive and press on ahead and live our lives for the Lord, in the fullness of His will!