THE LORD BE WITH US

"When you cross a deep and great disturbance waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, they do not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned by the flames." Isaiah 43: 2

There are some days in our lives we would like to forget to have them lived. Some moments are so hard that our life seems to stop at such pain, sadness and loneliness. These are days that remind us of David, "as we walk in the valley of the shadow of death." Days that seem to be under the shadow of death, where sorrow, pain, hopelessness and loneliness, are our inseparable companions, never want to leave. In some special cases, this time is so extensive, that takes care of all our lives. These are days where it is very difficult to find the solace that we so long. However, Isaiah gives us a hope for them: "I am with you, says the Lord.

" Haggai 1:13. What a promise is this! God is walking with us in the midst of the waters, protecting us and helping us through the difficult times. But what God wants to teach us with these days? 1) It tells us that these days are inevitable. They are going to happen, we must count on it. Or we just leave, or we are going through, or we're headed for one, as always after every mountain there will be a valley. 2) These days are unpredictable. You can not plan them, schedule them, or mark them. These days are always unexpected. Generally, they reach an inappropriate time. 3) They are impartial. No one is immune against them. No one is exempt from pain and suffering. Nobody gets "free pass" of problems in life. 4) However, to our delight, they are temporary. The valley is not a place of residence, but in passing. 5) They are not accidental. God has a purpose in mind to lead us through these shadow of death valleys. Whether it's doubt, depression, despair, discouragement or defeat - he has a reason in mind. What should we do when going for these days? We must refuse discouragement. We must always remember who is our companion. We must trust the protection and guidance of God. For, as well as David said, "The righteous man goes through many hardships, but the Lord delivers him out of them all." Psalms 34:19

Rev. Fred Souto