I have two kinds of posts here on my blog. One is of the long sort, reflections on my own life or perhaps on something going on in our world from the perspective of faith. Other blog posts are very short, consisting often of a prayer or Scripture that I thought I’d share. This post is of the second type. I was doing the evening Daily Office and read this passage from Isaiah that I found moving and encouraging. Sometimes just reading Scripture and what it says of God and who he is in relation to us is a beautiful experience. One worth savouring. On the eve before Christians everywhere come together as a community of faith to worship, I share it in the hope and prayer that you will find it likewise.

Surely, it is God who saves me; I will trust in him and not be afraid. For the LORD is my stronghold and my sure defense, and he will be my Savior. Therefore you shall draw water with rejoicing from the springs of salvation. And on that day you shall say, Give thanks to the LORD and call upon his Name; Make his deeds known among the peoples; see that they remember that his Name is exalted. Sing the praises of the LORD, for he has done great things, and this is known in all the world. Cry aloud, inhabitants of Zion, ring out your joy, for the great one in the midst of you is the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 12:2–6

God is the one who saves. I can’t save myself. I am not expected to save myself. Because of this I need not live in fear. Fear is the opposite of faith. And because of what God has done and who he is, I have reason to be joyful, glad, and to rejoice. I have reason to tell others who he is, to make known his deeds. The very God who is our salvation, Isaiah says, is in our midst.

Whatever else is true of life, this is true. That it is gives us hope, joy, and peace.

Tonight, if you read this, trust God is with you. Rest in him this eve.