I Will Be With You
Though the water rises,
You won’t be drowned
Though the fire rages
I’ll protect and surround.
You can be strong
Though it’s weakness, you feel
Have good courage
Through you have no zeal.
For I am with you
Though you may not see
Know that you can trust
And rely upon Me.
For trouble comes
To all on the earth
No one’s immune
Even from birth.
Because it’s hard
You may think I’m gone
I'm right by your side
Though the trial is long.
Know that there’s nothing
That can tear me away
I’ve promised to be there
Throughout all of your days.
Give me your cares
Your weakness and sorrow
I’ll give you strength for
All your tomorrows.
2024 Sandy Popp
Lonely and Isolated
Why do we feel so alone when we are going through trials? Even if we have loving, supportive people around us, why can hardships make us feel so isolated? It makes me think of my going through something now, and I was encouraged by my previous cancer journey. Although amazing people walked beside me(Cancer brings out the best of humanity), there were times when I felt utterly alone. Why? It’s us in the hot seat, facing the heartbreak of the estranged loved one, the heartbreak, the rejection. It was the body tied to the table during radiation. Laying perfectly still and contained while passing through ominous scan machines. It’s our veins being accessed with the poison of chemo. We have barely the energy to stand as we are throwing up. Just as God was with me and He can be with you where no one else can be.
“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.” Isaiah 43:2
The Comfort of “When”
God speaks through his word in such interesting ways. When reading Isaiah 43:2 today, the word “When” stood out to me. I realized that God put that word in there to remind us. He plans to be with us during our upcoming difficulties. He is also with us in our current struggles. There is no “If” when it comes to problems in life, there is when. We can be just as confident that we don’t have to face them alone. We can be assured that God is with us when we walk through the worst.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
He Will Never Leave
How beautiful is Deuteronomy 31:6! He promises never to leave or forsake us; we can be strong and courageous. It might get hot, but we won’t get burned up. We may be sinking in the waters of trials, troubles, and sorrows, but we won’t drown. The mighty God who created the earth and everything in it is with us. We don’t have to be afraid, but we can be strong and courageous. Why? Because God is with us and will never leave or forsake us, even in the worst times.
