When there was a remnant of people in Egypt, who cried to God because of all their suffering and heartache, He provided a way through the impossible.  Someone had to put his foot in the great waters, because Pharaoh's army was hot on their heels just behind them. They WERE between a rock and a huge wet spot!
 
Vs 1: But on that day [when you ARE safe, when you ARE past the crisis] Thank God for all He has done. Thank Him because He forgave my sin. Ladies, do you remember your sins? I mean the multiples of times when we actively rebel against God, engage in attitudes or activities that we consciously know God hates - but we rebel anyway. How I praise God for sweet repentance, his gift to my rebellious heart. I will give thanks to Thee, O Lord, for although Thou wast angry with me, Thine anger is turned away and Thou dost comfort me. I suppose people in Isaiah's day experienced God's anger, and needed His precious forgiveness that cleanses hearts, and refreshes spirits to stand tall once again. Aren't you glad it not just me and you that need this?? I am!
 
 Vs 2: Behold God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation. 

When we feel clean and whole again, we tend to KNOW God's salvation in a fresh new way: deeper, more intimately, and in ways that stir up trust. How would you describe this in your life? Feeling clean and whole gives me new energy, and a fresh start to tackle things I face each day. My fear subsides, because I KNOW that God is my strength. His salvation-process is transforming me and I recognize His presence and His work in my life. 

One of the most significant days of my life was when I understood that God loved me. I had been a pastor's wife nearly 20 years and a Christian longer than that. I always knew that God loved the world, and I was confident that He loved "people", and people in my church, etc., but there was always a nagging question in my heart about whether or not He really loved me personally. I remember where I was - driving to my part time job. I remember the radio station I listened to - KHCB. I remember some of the songs playing that day which penetrated my understanding, and I was completely overwhelmed when I grasped that God loved ME. 

This was a life-changing understanding. I could relax. I no longer had to "perform". Like the words of a Bill Gaither song, "I Am Loved", I was free to risk loving others because I was secure in God's love for me. Now I could give love because I received it. Now, I had something TO give. I hope you understand. Because I was loved, I could now trust, and because I could trust the One who loved me, I had reason not to be afraid. 
 
Vs. 3: Therefore you will joyously draw water from the springs of salvation, and in that day YOU will say [pray] - -  

 Now there is a place to go to -Someone is there for me. There is an inexhaustible source - springs of salvation - a resource that never dries up. Have you had resources that dried up? Encouraging friends that move away? Financial resources that suddenly disappear? Crises that zap all your time and energy? Is your life dusty and sandy in need of refreshing?  Jeremiah 2:13 compares the (1) fountain of living waters and (2) self-hewn cisterns that are broken and cannot hold water. Where do you draw from today? 
 
Vs 4: When the refreshing comes, and your heart is overflowing with thanksgiving and praise to God, Isaiah said to give thanks to God, to pray to Him, to testify about all He has done and to glorify Him. 

 

With whom do you share God's refreshing? Do you tell your children or your husband how you experience God's refreshing? Is this a common part of your conversations? Other places in scripture challenge us to make known God's deeds so future generations will know Him. That means your children, your grandchildren, your nieces and nephews - whoever is coming just behind you. You DO have a story worth hearing. Never minimize the reality of God expressed in YOUR life. 
 
 Vs 5: Praise the Lord in song. Music moves our hearts, and its poetry and penetrating melody makes expression possible. Aren't you glad God gives the song, and the melody to life? He must love music and the way it speaks to dry thirsty hearts. This verse says that worship through music is a way to proclaim His excellent ways throughout the earth. This IS our job - this proclamation IS the work of ministry. 
 
  Vs 6: Great is the Holy One in your midst.  Read this repeatedly, emphasizing a different word each time. God is great - He is immense, extraordinary, momentous, gifted. How has God been great in your life? Add this to your list! 
Are you aware of the Holy One in YOUR midst? Review your family dynamics and habitual ways of interacting with each other: do you find the Holy One there? Think about your friendships and work relationships - do you see the Holy One there? Are you like me - - life is just so "daily" that I fail to even look for the Holy One in the midst of my going in and out? I pray just now for you, and for me: