Ordinary Time

Pause

There’s a fountain free, ’tis for you and me:
Let us haste, oh, haste to its brink;
’Tis the fount of love from the Source above,
And [God] bids us all freely drink.

Will you come to the fountain free?
Will you come? ’Tis for you and me;
Thirsty soul, hear the welcome call:
’Tis a fountain opened for all.

from “There’s a Fountain Free” by Mary B. Slade (1876)

Listen

But now, says the Lord— the one who created you, Jacob, the one who formed you, Israel: Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when through the rivers, they won’t sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you won’t be scorched and flame won’t burn you.

Isaiah 43:1-2

Think

We know the power of water and fire. These two fundamental elements have the power to sustain life and also to take life. They are also helpful metaphors as we think about the challenges we face in life. Sometimes when we’re overwhelmed we feel like we are drowning, and sometimes when our families deal with stress and conflict we feel like our homes are on fire.

Likewise, the words of Isaiah 43:2 can be taken literally or figuratively. They are equally powerful either way. God has promised to be with you and to protect you whatever comes.

So if angry words feel like fire, remember that you won’t be burned. And if demands pressing in from all sides make you feel like you are drowning, remember that the river will not sweep you away.

The Lord is with you and will protect you, whatever may come.

Amy Bost Henegar

Pray

Gracious and eternal God, when I pass through the waters, you will be with me; when I walk through the fire, I won’t be burned. You are my shield and my protection, my loving creator. Help me today. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

Go

There’s a living stream, with a crystal gleam:
From the throne of life now it flows;
While the waters roll let the weary soul
Hear the call that forth freely goes.

Will you come to the fountain free?
Will you come? ’Tis for you and me;
Thirsty soul, hear the welcome call:
’Tis a fountain opened for all.

from “There’s a Fountain Free” by Mary B. Slade (1876)