Meditation

Read Isaiah 41:8-13 —Isaiah 43:2, 19 (CEB)

The Lord says, “when you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when through the rivers, they won’t sweep over you…Look! I’m doing a new thing; now it sprouts up.”

Where I live, the water department sometimes randomly cuts off the water supply. One day, I decided to store extra water before it was cut off again. I turned on the tap to fill the bathtub. I knew I had to turn it off before I left for work, but with all the hubbub of the day, I forgot. Later, I received a call from my husband, Jorge, telling me that the house was flooded. For the first time I experienced the fear and pain of such a disaster. I was responsible for what had happened and was angry with myself. But Jorge was sympathetic. He told me not to worry and that with God’s help everything would be all right. Placing my trust in God, I prayed for strength.

Weeks later, I was moved to share this experience with El Aposento Alto. I wanted to encourage others whose homes have been affected by sudden floods or who feel overwhelmed with problems. As God calmed the waters that devastated my life, God will do the same for all who cry out in prayer. Though we may be responsible for some accidents, as I was, we can trust in the promise that God will always be by our side and will not let us be swept away.

Prayer—Loving God, help us remember not to be discouraged or afraid, for you will sustain us with your strong hand. Amen.

Thought for the Day—“God is our refuge and strength” (Ps. 46:1).

Priscilla Morales (Puerto Rico)