Since we are not able to meet together at the moment, I am going to start posting a verse (or two) of the day for these times, when it feels a bit like (As Michael Stipe and R.E.M. put it): “It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine (time I had some time alone)”.

Today it’s Isaiah 43:1-3
 
Do not 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;
    and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
    and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour.
 
Or, this is how Eugene Peterson put it in The Message Bible:
 
Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you.
    I’ve called your name. You’re mine.
When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.
    When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you’re between a rock and a hard place,
    it won’t be a dead end--
Because I am God, your personal God,
The Holy of Israel, your Saviour.

Chris Denne