Eight Words.

Eight Words. By Cathy Tesar

Redemption.  Future glory.  Protection.  Chapter 54 is a song of mercy and hope from God to His chosen people.  

But then God speaks these eight words in verse 11:  “O afflicted one, storm tossed and not comforted.” There was something about these words that caused me to stop.  There was something about these words that my heart needed to hear.  Because it had been a season of affliction and of storm tossing.  And while I know God is our comforter, I felt like one who was not comforted.  It’s hard to grab hold of God’s promises when they seem so far from the windswept, storm-torn land where you currently live.  But our heavenly Father, who knows our hearts and the depths of our hurts, takes time to acknowledge where we’ve been and what we’ve been through.  

God reminds us with these eight words that He is the God who sees us (Genesis 16:13).  As I read those words, it felt like my heavenly Father picked me up, pulled me close, and tenderly wiped away the dirt and debris.  And then He continued to speak not just words of hope, but words of rebuilding.  And suddenly those seemingly distant promises were not so far out of reach.  
   
Challenge: When you feel distressed and discouraged, and it feels like no one knows what you are facing, remember that God is the God who sees us and He is the God who rebuilds us.  Read Isaiah verses 11 – 12.  

Prayer:
God, thank you that you are the God who sees us.  Thank you for your promises.  Please point me to specific promises you want me to hold on to during this time.  Open my eyes to see the rebuilding you are doing in my life.