By Betty Hertz
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying,
“Whom shall I send?”
And I said, “Here am I; send me!”
Isaiah 6:8
This verse inspired the hymn “Here I am Lord.” Isaiah is answering God’s call to serve even before he knew what that service would be. He shows complete trust the Lord will guide him.
Recently I pondered the chaos in my life. Feeling exhausted and stressed, I visited the St. John prayer room, which I have recently renamed the healing room. I collapsed in the rocking chair and focused on the beautiful cross and, with a huge sigh, said, “Here I am, Lord.” I began to feel a calming presence as I surrendered and decided all would be well. But God had other ideas. So I decided to look at the hymn by that title. As I was singing the hymn, my soul responded to part of the first verse:
“I who make the stars of night
I will make their darkness bright
who will bear my light to them?”
Then as I continued to sing, a part of the refrain caught my attention:
“ I heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.”
My words “here I am Lord” took on a new meaning. Wow, not enough to say here I am but then be reminded the Lord will lead me. The chaotic events remain, but God took my stress and gave me peace.
As I travel to visit a family member who is under Hospice care, I will continue to ask God to give me reminders that He is leading me and will provide me with the words I need.
Patient Father,
Thank you for your calming presence in my life. Thank you for the many times you have helped me surrender to your plan. I know you will continue to guide me if I allow you. In Jesus’ name and through the Holy Spirit. Amen
Betty Hertz is a longtime member of St John UMC, a Stephen Minister and a member of SPRC. When not doing volunteer work, she is playing with her three goofy dogs.