We’ve all been in the waters at times in our lives.  You know, those difficult, painful times that you just can’t seem to shake.  No matter how you try to change your mind, how you try to change your thought processes, how you try to change your circumstances, reactions, or responses little by little, you’re still in the waters. Sometimes it seems that we can be there even when things don’t really seem that bad.  Our heart, our soul, can be there and all we can do is tread water until relief comes.  But when will it come? Do our circumstances have to change first? Do people or things around us have to change first?  Or do we have to change?

Isaiah 43:1-5 encourages me when I am in the dreaded waters, the dark night of the soul…

“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob; he who formed you, O Israel:  ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.  For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.  I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you.  Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life.  Fear not, for I am with you..’ “

Our Heavenly Father has us in his sights and in his hands.  He is with us when we are in the waters. When we are in the dark night of the soul He knows our suffering.  He doesn’t just put us here, set things in motion around us, and leave us alone.  He sees, He knows, He understands, He hurts when we are hurting, and He is with us.

Sweet friend, if you are a child of God and are in the waters right now, cling to your Heavenly Father who has promised to be with you, who has promised that you will not be overwhelmed by the rivers you pass through. He loves you and is with you.  Circumstances may not change, relationships may continue to be difficult, the doctor’s report may not be good, but God is still there.  “But God…..”

If we will change our perspective so that we are focusing on Him with a heart of gratitude for all that He did for us through His son, Jesus, and if we hold fast to His promises that He will be with us in the waters, we can live with a joy that is unexplainable to the world around us.  I don’t necessarily mean a “happiness” as the world would describe, but a peace and joy in our innermost heart and soul, even in the midst of the waters. It is then that we bring glory to His name.  It is then that He leads us beside still waters, that He restores our soul.  (Psalm 23:2-3)  Do you long for the still waters of our Heavenly Father?  Run to Him and cling to Him, friend.  He will be with you.

For more encouragement in your daily walk, visit the links below.  You’ll be glad you did.

http://arabahjoy.com

http://rebekahmhallberg.com

http://adivineencounter.com

http://www.dawnklinge.com