words of hope

Last week my dear friend sent me a text with a scripture reference.  I'm going to be honest, I looked up the 1st one but forgot about the 2nd one until this morning.  So this morning I pulled out my Bible and looked up the scriptures she sent me. And it was just what I needed this morning.  She sent me Isaiah 43:1-5.

(vs 1-3)

But now, this is what the Lord says

he who created you, O Jacob

he who formed you, O Israel:

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you.  

I have summoned you by name, 

you are mine.

When you pass through the  waters, 

I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers,

they will not sweep over you. 

When you walk through the fire,

you will not be burned;

the flames will not set you ablaze."

I needed that.  I needed to be reminded that He created me, He formed me, He redeemed me and He calls me by name.  It is a tough time right now.  I despise this body I live in.  I nourish it out of love for my family but not out of love for myself right now.  Recovery is hard work.  At this time in recovery, it is more work than joy, BUT I know there is joy for this journey.  I'm walking through waters that threaten to sweep over me and yet He is with me.  

In the midst of my panic and discouragement about my body, I was gently reminded this morning that God formed this body.  He created this body.  And He redeems me from the abuse I have put this body through.  He knows my name.  He never leaves me, even when the fire is hot, the waters are overwhelming and the recovery difficult.  

 I am His.