The Sunday After

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” ~Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

Have you ever just sat back and thought, “I have no idea where this strength came from?”

I’m still randomly crying throughout the day; sometimes happy tears, sometimes sad tears, and sometimes tears of confusion.

The book of Isaiah was written at a time when the Israelites were engulfed in fear and uncertainty. They had been exiled to a foreign land because of their disobedience. Yet, even in their lowest moment, God never left them. Sometimes, God allows us to reach a place of brokenness, not to destroy us, but to bring us to our knees in submission to Him. In their season of depression, deprivation, and dehydration, the Israelites learned that their strength did not come from themselves but from God.

There comes a moment when “being strong” is not a choice, but it’s the only option.

But here’s the good news: God navigated the Israelites out of that season. And He will navigate you out of this one too. This season you’re walking through has its roadblocks, traffic detours, and even some permanent street closures. But there is no fear in God.

Wherever you are, you can create an altar and talk to the Father. God has uniquely designed you with physical, mental, spiritual, and moral strength. That’s why you can’t even explain how you’re making it. But you are.

And if you look closely at the word DEPRESSION, you’ll find these three words hidden inside: “I PRESSED ON.”

This is not your final season. Strength has been your portion, and submission has been your posture.

Don’t Quit.

Contributor:

Reverend Nakia V. Brown, Youth Pastor of New Kingdom Church

Youth Director, Pennsylvania Eastern Keystone Baptist Association