March 2, 2001
"A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out."
Isaiah 42:3
The first several verses in this chapter of Isaiah describe the character of Jesus... this verse in particular comforts my heart because many days recently I have felt as if I just don't have the strength to give to others the way I 'think I should'' or the way I want to. I've felt that I barely have strength to keep moving forward in the face of what challenges me. When we are at places in our lives when we feel fragile, feel that we don't have the strength to face the challenges, when we feel almost broken or crushed by life we can be confident that God will not destroy us. He is not down on us or disappointed because we have hard times or low moments in life or in our faith. He has a tender empathy for us - in fact he is the one "who makes the wounded whole". God has an affection for us always, but especially at times when we are hurting.. he very protectively watches over us, cares for us, nurtures us and helps us to bet back on our feet. I am reminded of how he strengthened Elijah after the victory on Mount Carmel and his subsequent flight after Jezebel's threat (1 Kings 18). God wasn't disappointed that he gave in to fear, discouragement & depression after great victory. God met him where he was at and met his needs. He led him to a safe place in the desert, had angels attend to him, gave him rest, provided food (in the desert), and led him into his presence - to the mountain of God. When God spoke to him it wasn't with warnings and disappointment - it was tender, he helped him get his perspective straightened out and get back on his feet and then gave him a glimpse of God that I'm sure changed his life. God had him stand in a cleft on the mountain and was to pass by him.. first God sent a powerful wind, an earthquake, and a fire but God was not in those things... God was in the gentle wind that followed it. It makes me wonder what Elijah's perspective of God was when he was down.. perhaps expecting that God was disappointed; God wanted him to understand something very important about who he was - very gentle. God is our great comforter... that's not just a nice story this is who God is. When I feel that I'm not where I 'should' be I am tempted to see God as feeling negative toward me - this is never the case!