Scripture journaling
Isaiah 43:1-7
Many people turn to Isaiah 43:1-7 when they feel alone. The passage is full of closeness. It speaks of being formed, being called by name, and not being left to cross the waters or walk through the fire by yourself. It does not pretend the waters and the fire are not there. It speaks of company in the middle of them.
If you are in a lonely stretch, these verses give you words to bring to prayer. You can read them slowly, notice which line catches you, and write back. The prompts below stay close to the text. Take one a day, or sit with a single line for as long as you need.
1 But now Yahweh who created you, Jacob, and he who formed you, Israel says: “Don’t be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name. You are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, and flame will not scorch you.
3 For I am Yahweh your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I have given Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
4 Since you have been precious and honored in my sight, and I have loved you; therefore I will give people in your place, and nations instead of your life.
5 Don’t be afraid; for I am with you. I will bring your offspring from the east, and gather you from the west.
6 I will tell the north, ‘Give them up!’ and tell the south, ‘Don’t hold them back! Bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth—
7 everyone who is called by my name, and whom I have created for my glory, whom I have formed, yes, whom I have made.’”
Reflection prompts
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Verse 1 says, "I have called you by your name." Think of a time you felt unseen or unknown, maybe in a crowded room or a quiet house. Write about that moment, then write a prayer telling God what it would mean to you to be known by name.
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Verse 2 says, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you." Name the waters you are passing through right now. Describe them plainly, the way you would to a friend, then write to God about where you most want company in them.
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Verse 2 speaks of passing through the waters and walking through the fire, not going around them. What would it look like to pray from the middle of a hard stretch, instead of waiting until it ends?
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Verse 4 uses the words "precious and honored." Which of these words is harder for you to receive about yourself? Write about why, and bring that honestly to God in prayer.
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Verse 5 repeats, "Don’t be afraid; for I am with you." Where do loneliness and fear overlap in your life? List a few small fears you carry, then write a short prayer over each one.
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Verses 5 and 6 picture people being gathered from the east, the west, the north and the south. Who feels far from you right now, by distance or by silence? Write their names and a sentence of prayer for each.
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Verse 7 ends with "whom I have formed, yes, whom I have made." Write a letter to God about how it feels to read those words with yourself in mind, including any part of you that finds them hard to believe.
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Look back over the whole passage and choose one phrase to carry with you this week. Write it at the top of the page, then note one small way you could reach toward another person while you hold it.