Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.
In this chapter we read moving expressions of God's care for his people. 'Do not be afraid – I will save you,' he says; 'I have called you by name — you are mine' (verse 1). In vivid images, the prophet brings God's protection to life: his people won't be overwhelmed when they 'pass through deep waters' or burnt when they pass through fire (verse 2). 'Do not be afraid — I am with you!' is God's message (verse 5).
These are beautiful words, which we need to read with sober joy: sober, because we know we are not protected from every attack by the enemies of the faith, or from the things that go wrong for us just because we're human. These words are written during the coronavirus crisis. Churches have stopped meeting in order to save lives; we don't believe God will preserve us from infection just because we're Christians. And there have been many, many martyrdoms during the history of the Church where believers have indeed passed through the fire.
But we can still rejoice in these promises. They are not 'just poetry' or wishful thinking: they assure us that God is with us, that he has a glorious future for us, and that he loves us with an everlasting love. As the poet William Cowper wrote: "His purposes will ripen fast/ Unfolding every hour;/ The bud may have a bitter taste,/ But sweet will be the flower.'
God, thank you for your love for me. Help me to believe you even when I can't see what you're doing in my life, and to trust in your eternal goodness.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society’s Editor
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