Soul Support
Our God is an active God, not just a passive presence like a lifeguard perched in the heavens waiting for an emergency.
With all the time we spend sitting these days – in front of a computer, at a work station, desk or table – a comfortable chair is key to a quality existence. It’s gotta be the right height. Have good lumbar support. A top-grade cushion is nice, too, and maybe some arm rests and a little rocking action.
And then there’s the chair that is a class above, made by a company called Humanscale. The cushion is formed from a special padding of silicone-like substance called TechnoGel. It spreads weight with uncanny gelatinous buoyancy. One user said, “It’s like sitting in a puddle of your own flesh.” You, too, can have a Humanscale chair for about a thousand bucks.
In Isaiah 43:1-7 the prophet has no interest in high-tech chairs, but he is addressing a people who are in dire need of divine support. Their homeland has been burned. Their nation has been scattered. Their lives have been flooded with the despicable perversions of a pagan culture (in which they have often joined). They could legitimately have one, big, uncomfortable identity crisis on their hands.
“Fear not,” says the Lord, “for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” This is deep comfort for a hurting and hopeless people. “When you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you ... when you walk through the fire, you will not be burned,” says the One who “created” and “formed” these people, and us.
With all the time we spend suffering these days, some soul support is a key to quality existence. And there’s support that is a class above the rest in our Lord God. For starters, our own sins burn deeply into our conscience and flood our souls with guilt. But there’s more. Passing through the raging river of a relationship gone bad, caught up in the current of an abusive spouse or unfair boss, tossed back and forth by the frustrating waves of raising children. Then come the flames of family conflict or being burned by the intense heat of debt. Seek to make yourself comfortable, just ride it out, and the crisis will only more deeply threaten.
Count on your Lord God to support you through any variety of raging storms and you won’t be disappointed. The good news is that you begin in a privileged position! God created you. Formed you. Called you by name. Claimed you. “You are mine.” No matter how bad life gets nothing can pull you from this privileged position. “You are precious and honored in my sight ... do not be afraid,” the Lord reassures. But there’s more.
Our God is an active God, not just a passive presence like a lifeguard perched in the heavens who will only act in an extreme emergency. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you ... I give ... I will bring ... I will gather ... I will say ...” God promises. That’s the kind of support we need. God jumps in. He’s not just on call but on duty.
The quest for help ends here: in the promises of the God who creates, forms, calls and redeems you and works actively and aggressively to keep you in his care. So in the end, where do you really want to sit? In a puddle of your own flesh? Or in the lap of God?
PRAYER: God of wondrous love, you have touched us and never left us in despair. You have held us in our grief and chaos. You have never deserted us. You paid us a visit and your visit never ended. You clung to us when we were given up for dead. In life and in death – you raise us anew! This we know! This we experience! This is your word of assurance! God of wondrous love, touch us again in this time. Stay with us – as we continue healing our memories and lives. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.
Prayer written by Jann Cather Weaver, from “Touch Holiness,” (Cleveland: United Church Press, 1990, pp. 102-103)