Isaiah writes this verse in the context of God declaring who he is, his salvation of the Nation of Israel, and his stated will and desire for us to believe in and follow him: “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.”
Isaiah 43:2 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.43.2.NLT
Reflection
Several chapters surround the focal point of this verse. No matter what life dishes out, God is with us, and we will not be overcome because of his presence and involvement in our lives.
God is clear as to why he is doing this:
- “For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”
- “Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them.’”
- “But you are my witnesses, O Israel!” says the Lord. “You are my servant. You have been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God.
- There is no other God— there never has been, and there never will be.
- I, yes I, am the Lord, and there is no other Savior.
- First, I predicted your rescue, then I saved you and proclaimed it to the world. No foreign god has ever done this. You are witnesses that I am the only God,” says the Lord. “From eternity to eternity I am God.
- No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done.”
Isaiah 43:3, 7, 10-13 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.43.3.NLT
God loves us: “You are honored, and I love you.” Isaiah 43:4 NLT
God is with us because he is God. God saves us because he loves us. It is our witness of God that helps make him known to all people and nations of the world.
There is no other god.
God names a chronic problem: We grow tired of being with and following Him: “But, dear family of Jacob, you refuse to ask for my help. You have grown tired of me, O Israel!” Isaiah 43:22 NLT.
Isaiah goes on to say that people have quit bringing offerings and sacrifices into the presence of God, yet the Lord chooses to forgive their sin anyway.
Encouragement
God is with us in all of life. It is who he is.
God is with us because he loves us.
God is the only one! There is no other god.
God is our savior.
We are God’s witnesses, sharing the truth of God with all people and nations.
Challenge
Continue to come and be with God. He is with us. Let’s keep coming to be near him. Don’t grow weary of being with God in search of something “new” or “more exciting.” Keep asking God regarding the concerns of life. Trust him. Be his witness.
Prayer
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for coming to save us because you are God.
Thank you for being with us because you love us.
Thank you for inviting us to be your witnesses to the truth of who you are.
Help us share this generous, loving truth with everyone and every community within our reach.
Guard us from becoming bored and losing interest in you and your ways. Let us keep our eyes on you.
Holy Spirit, it is so good to know that whatever we are going through, you are with us.
In your name, Jesus, we pray,
Amen
-Ed McDowell