A bruised reed ~ a smoldering wick

Everyone goes through times of discouragement. For some, it may only last for a moment while others seem to struggle with discouragement for longer periods of time.

I love the description in Isaiah 42:3 - a bruised reed and a smoldering wick. Both seem pretty fragile - like their existence is about to come to an end. That definitely describes how I feel when I am struggling with discouragement.

But when I read the rest of the verse and I sense a smidgen of hope stirring within me because of how God promises to deal with the bruised reed and smoldering wick.

About the bruise reed, He says He will not break it and He won't snuff out the smoldering wick. I love these verses! God shows He cares about us and knows when we are at the breaking point. And yes, there are times when He allows us to get there - but not to hurt us. It may be a loving reminder to return to a submission of His leading. Or it may be to get our attention regarding a sin we need to confess and deal with.

But sometimes life just gets huge and overwhelming and we lose sight of the shore. We feel like we are going to drown in the cares and concerns of life. In that moment, in that very, exact moment, we need the reassurance that comes from this verse - God cares! Which reminds me of another precious verse- I Peter 5:10-11:

"And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ,
after you have suffered a little while,
will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
To HIM be the power for ever and ever. Amen."