We live in uncertain times. In most every area of our lives, foundations are being shaken and anchors are slipping.

The ripples of a slumping economy come in waves of high gas and food prices; and the financial market plunge casts a gloomy outlook on our financial future. Moral decay in our society leads to greed; concern for the common good is upended by self-interest.

A depleting ozone layer threatens our planet and the survival of many of earth's species; global warming is real and is affecting our environment in devastating ways. Our sisters and brothers along the Gulf Coast and southeastern states are still recovering from the destruction of recent storms and hurricanes.

Political ads and talking pundits bombard the airwaves with their versions of the truth, leaving us dizzy and suspicious of whom to believe.

Parents and young people are burdened by the spiraling costs of higher education.

Families are concerned about healthcare and their well-being. Many are suffering the painful realities of cancer, heart conditions, Alzheimer's disease, depression, addiction and other debilitating and life-threatening illnesses.

There are youths who are fearful of the future, and seniors who are giving up on life. We seem to be living on a depleting edge, and drifting further out to a chaotic sea.

Our experience echoes that of a people in exile — those whose center has been destroyed and are now living in a strange and foreign land.

There is no joy; they no longer sing. There is no hope; they no longer dream. They live in fear and are burdened with despair.

To them, and to all of us in these desperate and uncertain times, the prophet Isaiah utters the comforting assurance of God (Isaiah 43:1-2, 4-5):

"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned and the flame shall not consume you. … Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you. … Do not fear, for I am with you."

Let us meditate on these words, and imprint them on our hearts. Recite them again and again until they become a part of our very breath — the living word of God — giving us renewal and confidence in God's ever-loving-presence.

Allow this promise to be our response to the hopelessness of these times.

"Nothing separates us from the love of God," echoes the apostle Paul.

Do not fear, for God is with us now and forever!

The Rev. Piula E. Ala'ilima is senior pastor of Wesley United Methodist Church. Expressions of Faith is a column that welcomes submissions from pastors, priests, lay workers and other leaders in faith and spirituality. E-mail faith@honoluluadvertiser.com or call 525-8035. Articles submitted to The Advertiser may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms.