We do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16 ESV.

You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. Romans 8:9.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:15-17.

No matter what we may be going through, it helps to whisper Jesus, and give thanks. We are drawn gently back to what is true. The love of Creator God – Father…Son…Spirit, for us. His love steadies us and encourages us and gives us strength in Him. Not my strength, but His. Not my truth, but His. Not my love so insufficient, but His love strong and enduring.

See, I can no longer read Scripture as though it happened to an ancient people and can’t possibly relate to me today. This is the story of our life without God and our life that will be with God. Life that is good and full and blessed because He is with us. How we need that today! And our chapter, Isaiah 17, continues with a prophecy against Damascus. See, Damascus will no longer be a city but will become a heap of ruins…You have forgotten God your Savior; you have not remembered the Rock, your fortress…woe to the many nations that rage – they rage like the raging sea! Woe to the peoples who roar – they roar like the roaring of great waters! Although the peoples roar like the roar of surging waters, when He rebukes them they flee far away, driven before the wind like chaff on the hills, like tumbleweed before a gale…v. 1, 10, 12-14. Does that not remind you of us today? We live in a world where we are consumed with what is happening around us and with our own thoughts within us. Do we give any time to being with God in our thoughts? One day all of the trappings of this life will be removed. Everything we count on and trust in will be no more. In that day people will look to their Maker and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel. They will not look to the altars, the work of their hands, and they will have no regard for the Asherah poles and the incense altars their fingers have made. v. 7-8. Do we think these warnings are for them and not for us? Why did they make Asherah poles? Why do we have pornography and child pornography? Why do we have violence and rebellions everywhere? Today we live in a world of incurable pain, but we can’t begin to see that without God’s help.

Today we can choose life. Today we can draw near to God and ask for His help to understand our confused and hurting hearts and minds. Today we can ask Him to forgive us and to help us love Him. Today we can begin to know God in a personal intimate relationship of love and trust…our life lived with God! I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20. Today. Your life with God can begin. Your heart and spirit can find joy and renewal in Him. His love will renew you and bring you His peace. A journey with Him that begins today and has no ending. Thank You, Lord, for so great a Love!