I can’t believe January is over and February is here already. For me January usually feels like two months in one.  I long to start planting things and having longer days of warm sunshine. With the second month under way I was wondering if maybe this whole year would go by faster than others. I know we are still in the beginnings of the year and who knows what lays ahead.

Will it be good times or trials, perhaps a mixture of both but as the year progresses and we find out, I was reflecting on one of my favorite passages in the book of Isaiah.

Isaiah 43: 1&2

1. But now, this is what the Lord says—
   he who created you, Jacob,
   he who formed you, Israel:
   “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
   I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2. 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.

In these two verses I find such comfort. Many ask if there is a God that loves us why does bad stuff happen? Great question but in these verses it gives some of the answer.

I noticed first it points out who is with us and how He feels about us and who we are. Then it says WHEN  we go through hard times not IF, big difference. It means to me that yes hard times come, we live in a fallen world but because I have a God that loves me He calls me His own he will be with me every step of the way! How comforting to have my father with me in the hard times.

Just like when we have a loving parent, friend, partner who is with us so we can cry on their shoulder, we feel their love and can count on them to help us. With God its even better to cry on his shoulder knowing He will comfort us and give us strength to move on.

This year may be a breeze with no major problems or maybe it will seem it is nothing but hard times but I feel the comfort knowing that I have someone who will be with me always.