Water as a Metaphor for

Chaos
vv 1-2

 But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O

Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: Fear not,
for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your
name; You are Mine. When you pass through the
waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they
shall not overflow you. When you walk through the
fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame
scorch you.

 Water is often a metaphor for chaos.

The Jews hated water and avoided it when possible.
Chaos of the early world (Gen 1:2).
Dry land when crossing the Red Sea (Ex 14:26-29).
Water is judgment in Isaiah: Now therefore, behold, the Lord brings
up over them The waters of the River, strong and mighty--The king of
Assyria and all his glory; He will go up over all his channels And go
over all his banks. He will pass through Judah, He will overflow and
pass over, He will reach up to the neck; And the stretching out of his
wings Will fill the breadth of Your land, O Immanuel (Is 8:7-8).

 Troubles come from every hand.

Man born of woman is of few days and full of trouble (Job 14:1).
Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the
prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider
blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Jobs
perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about (Js
5:10-11).
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering,
as though something strange were happening to you (1 Pet 4:12).

God is Present in the

Crisis
v2

 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass
through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
As Gods children, we have His help.
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am
helped. My hearts leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song (Ps. 28:7).
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 (Is.
41:10).
God has said, Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. So we say with
confidence, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to
me? (Heb. 13:5-6).

 When peace, like a river, attendeth my way / When

sorrows like sea billows roll; / Whatever my lot, Thou
has taught me to say, / It is well, it is well with my
soul.

The Marks of Godspeed

Living

 What are the marks of living a life of dependence on

God?
We know we are living the Godspeed life when we are
confident of Gods love:
You are precious and honored in my sight, and I love
you (v. 4).

 We know we are living the Godspeed life when we realize that we are a part of the
family of God.
I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west (v 5).
Our Christian family helps us achieve the Godspeed life.
They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the
breaking of bread and to prayer (Acts 2:42).
What purpose does that fellowship serve?
Christian fellowship serves to encourage believers.
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one
another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Heb. 10:25).

Christian fellowship helps us overcome sin.

Carry each others burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (Gal. 6:2).

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