Gentle Power

Isaiah 42:1-9

My heart warms each time I witness a father holding his newborn. I can remember this one particular time as I sat in a restaurant and watched a father reach into a baby carrier as his baby began to fuss. This man must have been as tall as a tree and as wide as a canyon, with muscles just as large as the mountains. I watched with a smile as his biceps, which had to be as big as my head, bulged while he gently reached under the child's torso and head. He handled that baby as though it could break, but it wasn't going to be him that breaks it.

Once that child was in his arms the entire room could feel his love. The father's eyes were fixed on those of his child as he held it close to his chest. He was completely unaware of those of us in the restaurant watching him, all of us with awe-inspired looks on our faces and warmth in our hearts.

That's the feel I get as I read today's passage. I can feel the words of the prophet as he speaks of an all-powerful God coming into this world not to break that which is already hurt, but instead to bring healing. The words which speak of the most powerful one, who will not break a bruised reed nor let a dim candle go out, reach deep into my soul and bring me only comfort. I know there is a God who will keep me safe and bring me through the things which bring me pain.

As you go through today, my hope is that you will know that regardless of the distresses and discomforts you face, God is with you, holding on to you until your peace can once again be found.