When a verse pops into my mind that feels particularly relevant to my mood or situation, I’ll sometimes turn to it in the Bible and read the whole chapter that contains the verse. A few days ago the famous “See, I am doing a new thing” verse rose to the front of my thoughts. I paged to Isaiah 43. What a rich and powerful chapter of scripture! It blessed me and so I thought I’d share snippets of it here, in case its promises encourage you today, too.
Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name
Isaiah 43:1
Redeem means “to gain possession of something in exchange for payment.” He has paid for our freedom, delivering us from separation from Him, our mistakes, our shame. And now, that done, He’s summoning you by name. Our God is sacrificial and more personal than we can fathom.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
Isaiah 43:2
You might feel like you’re drowning in worries, busyness, demands, stress. However, the water will not sweep over you. You will pass through. Because He is with you there, in the swirling and scary current.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…
Isaiah 43:2-3
You might feel like you’re burning with grief, pain, anger, sickness. But the flames will not consume you for He is protecting you. And He is Lord. God. The Holy One of Israel. Savior.
I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you…
Isaiah 43:3-4
He has given much for you. In Jesus, He gave for you what was most valued and treasured. Let the following truths soak in today…. In His eyes, you are precious and honored. He loves you. He loves you.
Do not be afraid, for I am with you…
Isaiah 43:5
Many things might be stirring fear in you in this season but He gently encourages you not to be afraid. He offers peace and rest for your soul. He can do that because (praise of praise) you are not alone. You have Him. And if you have Him you have everything.
‘You are my witnesses,’ declares the Lord, ‘that I am God. Yes, and from ancient days I am he. No one can deliver out of my hand.’
Isaiah 43:12-13
A witness is one who “gives evidence” regarding what they saw and experienced. Imagine God entrusting us with this role! He has a calling for you, a unique way for you to serve and praise Him. As you dedicate yourself to that, He assures you that no one can deliver you from His hand. You will remain in His grip.
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
Isaiah 43:18
I typically think of the verse that follows this one (v. 19) as a stand-alone. But this verse (v. 18) that comes immediately before it sheds so much context. It’s wonderful to remember the blessings of the past but if we grip them too tightly, we’re rendered motionless. Conversely, we can get stuck on things in the past that didn’t go our way. Disappointments, hurt pride, betrayal, grudges. Gripping those can render us motionless, too.
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 43:19
You can be sure that the Lord is not standing still. He is living and active. He is on the move, even at this very moment. Once you’ve set aside what has gone before, entrusting all of it to Him, you’ll be ready to see the new thing the Lord is doing. He is making ways in the desert for you. He is making streams in the wasteland. Do you perceive them? Because whether you do or you don’t, they are there. Waiting.
The Lord spoke to me through this chapter and especially verse 18! Did any of these verses minister to you? If so, which one?
Becky Wade
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What a beautiful post, Becky. Thank you for the reminder of Jesus’ steadfast love everyday for us.
God bless you, Stacy!
Thank you for reminding us of God’s faithfulness! I’ve been in a long season of wait and this is so encouraging to remember He is working on our behalf even if we don’t see it yet.💗
Thank you for this post today, Becky. My daughter has been struggling with severe anxiety this week, and as soon as I read your post, I knew it would bless her. Those promises in Isaiah are such a comfort and provide hope in dark spaces.
Praying for your daughter!
Thank you, Betty!
I’ve dealt with that kind of anxiety at times and it’s so hard. I’ll be in prayer for her, too.
Thank you, Becky!
I needed this SO MUCH!”When you pass through the waters”; “When you walk through the fire”; “Do not be afraid.” All of these spoke to me as I faced the rivers and fire this week. Thank the Lord that he resolved these issues yesterday and brought me peace. I am a strong believer in the power of prayer, and there were many friends praying with me.
Thank you for this beautiful post in words and pictures! Have a wonderful weekend.
I’m so glad to know these verses ministered to you, Betty. I’m praising the Lord with you for bringing you through the river and the fire this week.
Thank you!
Thank you for this beautiful, uplifting post. Your words “You might feel like you’re drowning in worries, busyness, demands, stress” described how I have been feeling this week. A short prayer walk in my neighborhood, an encouraging newsletter from another Christian author and now your post (and verses 2 and 3) have really helped me as I dwell on His goodness. I am always in awe of what the Lord uses to bring healing to our souls.
“I am always in awe of what the Lord uses to bring healing to our souls.” Yes! He’s so good about reaching out to us in many ways — friends, sermons, scripture, circumstances, the Holy Spirit — to encourage us when we need it.
What a wonderful post, Becky! Thank you for sharing with us. So much encouragement therein.
SO MUCH encouragement in a single chapter!
Becky, Thank you for this very timely reminder of God’s promises. I needed to hear this today, which He knew.
You’re welcome! I’m so pleased that these verses and blessing others, too.
I love all the verses that start with “Do not be afraid…” Grateful for a Father who knows my inner weaknesses and offers His strength and reassurance that he is with me always. Isaiah is one of my favorite books!
Yes! I love that He knows us so well and understands just how often we wrestle with fear. Again and again in scripture he reassures us. “Do not be afraid.” “I am with you.”
What precious scripture! To read over and over how much He loves me…amazingly wonderful.
What a strong reminder vs. 1&2 are for me. I need to remember that my Lord is always with me/us.
Thank you for sharing this today!
You’re welcome! Thank you for visiting the blog. 🙂
Thank you so much for this, Becky. The past two years have been overwhelming and this year I’m dealing with a horrific skin disease, so verse 2 is definitely a comfort. I’ve felt like I’m drowning at times.
I’m glad these verses brought comfort to you today, Deena. [[Hugs]]
Thank you. PERFECT timing (a gift). All the verses spoke to me, though Isaiah 43:18-19, the most. I needed to hear them today. Life changes. Past to future.♥️ God is PRESENT in all.
Yes! Amen!
Thank you Becky for these encouraging reminders from God’s Word. I delight in verses 12-13, He is God, from ancient days, and forever I am safe in His hands.
I delight in those verses, too. 🙂
This is such a comforting scripture for me…it makes me think of a hymn I’ve sung many times, which is based on these verses:
“Do not be afraid, I am with you
I have called you each by name.
Come and follow Me
I will bring you home.
I love you and you are mine.”
It brings me such comfort to know that no matter what happens, that I am a child of God!
There is so much comfort in that! Thank you for sharing the lyrics to this lovely hymn.
I’m behind on reading the blog, but just wanted to say how encouraging this was. (And the accompanying art!) Thanks, Becky.
I’m glad to hear it encouraged you!