The rivers . . . shall not overwhelm you

A small group of authors from the United States, Brazil, and France gathered for a unique meeting with some of our Sentinel editors. We discussed immigration, equity, honesty in character and in politics, identity, and more, with anticipation that effective, systematic prayer can reach those hearts hungering for stability, peace, and progress. When there is a great sense of being overwhelmed by an angry sea of circumstances, we can anchor thought in the timeless Principle of divine Love, which brings peace and healing. After the meeting, a theme from Isaiah 43 came to my thought: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you” (verse 2, New Revised Standard Version).

From the biblical era until today, many conflicts in tumultuous times have been brought to the point of transformation by yielding to God. This can transform thought into purposeful action, breaking through the mesmerism of fear. God’s power is not just bigger than the tumult; it is the only power there is. Christ Jesus proved that there is no human condition beyond God’s control. Faced with a crowd of those who hated him and wanted to do him harm, Jesus was not only able to walk through that crowd unharmed, but was also able to heal others (see Luke 4: 28–40). 

Jesus knew that God is the only power, and this not only gave him the calmness and conviction needed in the midst of tumult, but it also impelled him to take decisive actions. These actions came from a deep well of spiritual conviction. He knew our inseparable relation to God, divine Love, and this is something we can know, too.  

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit