Isaiah the Prophet says "Fear Not!"

This is the first Sunday after the Epiphany and our second of 3 weeks with Isaiah.  While light was the spiritual metaphor we encountered last week, this week we embrace water and fire as metaphors for the struggles of life through which God walks with us.    "Fear Not!"  Why not?  No matter the stormy waters, no matter the consuming fire, God is always with us, working for good in all things!

We go back in the story-line and find the exiles still in Babylon … waiting, captives to a foreign people.  They are in danger of losing hope when Isaiah encourages them.  You can read more about Isaiah on this page:  Vision of Restoration

 

As you prepare your heart to read and pray the scriptures, remember the Israelite captives, remember refugees all over the world, remember those you know who are struggling with life right now, remember the struggles of your life ... times when you felt as though you were drowning or moving through fire!  Just sit  for a few moments in the silence with your "remembering" right now and breathe a gentle breath prayer (use this one or create one for yourself)  

Breathe in … Merciful God (pause) 
Breath out … you are my refuge (pause)  

When you are ready to move into the text, use verse 1 of Psalm 57 as a prayer:

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,
    for in you my soul takes refuge;
in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,
    until the destroying storms pass by.  Psalm 57:1

Now, read Isaiah 43:1-7 with the "ear of your heart" using Lectio Divina, during which you will breathe and listen deeply to each phrase of the poetry as you read the text slowly, savoring it in all of its beauty.

Reading 1.    Read the text slowly. Focus your attention on the sense of the passage as you hear it.   Perhaps there is a word or phrase full of meaning for you on your own journey right now.  Take a deep breath and move on when you are ready ...

Movement 1 (Read) and repeat your word or phrase several times.  Let the word or phrase that has chosen you sink into your soul.   What word or phrase is most full of meaning for you where you are in your life right now?

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have called you by name, you are mine.
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.
For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.  Isaiah 43:1b-3a

Reading 2.    Read the text slowly again ... As you read, listen for the still small voice of the text whispering to you, “Here I am, where are you?”  Where is God calling your attention?  Sit with the “word” God has for you … it can be from the text itself OR it can be a different word or phrase that has arisen from the text.  Take a deep breath and move on when you are ready ...

Movement 2 (Reflect) How does your word or phrase speak to your life right now? 

Reading 3.    Read the text slowly again.  How do you offer your prayers and the struggles of your life to God today?  Respond to God with prayers of intercession and petition, prayers for others and prayers for yourself are all good ... sing praises, whisper confessions, laugh gratitude, breathe in discernment, breathe out commitment ... whatever emerges from within you as you pray.   Take a deep breath and move on when you are ready …

Movement 3 (Respond) How do you offer your prayers and your life to God today?

Reading 4.    Rest in the gentle silence of God's presence.  Breathe in the grace of God.  As you move on, breathe out the Grace of God upon the world!

Movement 4 (Rest) Breathe … Breathe … Breathe … Amen

As you move forward from your time of reflecting on Isaiah's word, verse 7 of Psalm 57.

My heart is steadfast, O God,
    my heart is steadfast.
I will sing and make melody.  Psalm 57:7

If music is a pathway to God for you, check out "Be Not Afraid" by John Michael Talbot with a set of interesting scrolling images, some almost bordering on disturbing ... and yet perhaps that is appropriate for this reading from Isaiah.  If art is a pathway to God for you, you might meditate on the stained glass above and how that interprets the scripture passage for you.