“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not  fear; I will help you.”                                               

Isaiah 41:13

Lay waste: generally to cause very bad damage to (something)//The fire laid waste to the land. Merriam-Webster.

“Lay waste” are the two words my mind gravitated toward to describe a recent season in my life. This season started off small- a blaze I thought I could manage, a controlled burn, the beginning of a new leadership role with demands I underestimated. But as these demands stretched and crossed borders from the professional part of my life to the personal, winds of a tragic accident and the death of a family member whipped a fire that began to consume the sources of strength I thought were in place.

As more reserves were consumed, the final blow came as I stood helpless watching one who I dearly love battle inner demons I was powerless to conquer for them. I was poor, needy, parched with thirst, yet not forsaken. (Isaiah 41:17).

In the early morning hours, I wanted to pray, but had no words. I opened an app on my phone that shares a verse of the day to help me pray; the verse: Isaiah 41:13. I lay face down and lifted my right hand up to my Lord, my God. In my mind’s eye I saw Him reaching to take hold of my  hand- a gentle, powerful hand of a Father, outstretched, comforting. It was a turning point- not in the season being over, but in hope that He would see me through. I thought I knew that; I had been tested and proved already. It wasn’t until I reached out literally, physically, to  God that I truly came to the end of myself. He was there, taking hold of me.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You promise to make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. You will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs. Your word promises me that. You have my hand in Yours. You have hold of me. Amen.