Some time ago I read a poem in Church at the end of a sermon entitled ‘Do not be afraid’. Since then a number of people have asked me for a copy of it, so I thought this month I would print it in the magazine.
Do not be afraid
for I have redeemed you.
I have called you by your name;
you are mine.
When you walk through the waters,I’ll be with you;
you will never sink below the waves.
When the fire is burning all around you,
you will never be consumed by the flames.
When the fear of loneliness is looming,
then remember I am at your side.
When you dwell in the exile of the stranger,
remember you are precious in my eyes.
You are mine, O my child;
I am your Father,
And I love you with a perfect love.
Just before my Ordination 7 years ago, my Mum gave me this poem, and whenever I have a ‘wobbly’ moment I remind myself of these words. I am not sure who the Author is, but for me, the last three lines of this poem are the most poignant. Every one of us needs to be continually reminded of the Father’s perfect and all sufficient love. When we doubt, when we fear, even when we are standing in the middle of a crowded room and still feel lonely, it is good to remind ourselves that we are God’s children and that He is our Father.
In 2nd Corinthians chapter 12 we read about the Apostle Paul wrestling with something life was throwing at him. We don’t know what that was, but it is troubling him enough for him to call it a ‘thorn in the flesh’. However, amongst it all Paul comes to a realisation “…"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me” (verse 9).
Paul realizes that no matter what he is going through in life, everything that he needs to sustain him comes directly from the Lord. Each of us need to strive to have faith like this, we need to daily trust in the saving power of the Lord Jesus and live as Children of God.
Do not be afraid
for I have redeemed you.
I have called you by your name;
you are mine.
When you walk through the waters,I’ll be with you;
you will never sink below the waves.
When the fire is burning all around you,
you will never be consumed by the flames.
When the fear of loneliness is looming,
then remember I am at your side.
When you dwell in the exile of the stranger,
remember you are precious in my eyes.
You are mine, O my child;
I am your Father,
And I love you with a perfect love.
Just before my Ordination 7 years ago, my Mum gave me this poem, and whenever I have a ‘wobbly’ moment I remind myself of these words. I am not sure who the Author is, but for me, the last three lines of this poem are the most poignant. Every one of us needs to be continually reminded of the Father’s perfect and all sufficient love. When we doubt, when we fear, even when we are standing in the middle of a crowded room and still feel lonely, it is good to remind ourselves that we are God’s children and that He is our Father.
In 2nd Corinthians chapter 12 we read about the Apostle Paul wrestling with something life was throwing at him. We don’t know what that was, but it is troubling him enough for him to call it a ‘thorn in the flesh’. However, amongst it all Paul comes to a realisation “…"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me” (verse 9).
Paul realizes that no matter what he is going through in life, everything that he needs to sustain him comes directly from the Lord. Each of us need to strive to have faith like this, we need to daily trust in the saving power of the Lord Jesus and live as Children of God.
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