“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
(Isaiah 41:10)
This is one of those verses you want to write on your heart for those times when you are afraid of something you’re facing. We know life isn’t promised to be perfect. How much better when we remember we are never alone. Jesus is walking with us through all the valleys, too.
Context: Isaiah had been called by God to wake up the Israelites to their coming doom. Yet Chapter 41 is a beautiful example of how God cares for his children. Amidst discussion of how God will use unlikely enemy sources, he promises hope and provision for his people, Israel. They can put their trust in him. God is hoping the message he gives Isaiah encourages them to do just that.
This comment is so fitting of God’s character. He can discipline and love at the same time. He doesn’t want us to fear, only trust him. Imagine God is saying this to you. What are you afraid of or discouraged about right now? Doesn’t knowing God is holding you up help you feel more secure?
No matter what, God is there strengthening us. Life may be chugging along on a high note. God is still there. Once we open our hearts to him, God never leaves our side. The promise he made to the Israelites is for us as well. We have been welcomed into the family of God as believers in Christ. This protection is for us, too.
The Israelites would fall and be overtaken at some point after these words were spoken through the prophet. Despite that, God promised he wouldn’t abandon them. The Israelites had given God every reason to disown them by their behaviors and willful disrespect of God’s desires for them. Yet our God is forgiving, isn’t he? He doesn’t abandon us.
Jesus’ death made it possible for us to have better communication with God. Many times the abandonment happens because we leave God behind. God’s closeness can be reciprocated as we have been given access to God as well.
How do you approach God? Is it with reverence, on your knees, with the respect God deserves? I’m confident God’s okay with our on-the-run conversations, too. Sometimes those little pop-up prayers driving down the road can be precious and memorable.
I like when God sends reminders to reassure us he is still working. Sometimes you hear something on the radio that just resonates, like the perfect song. I know I’ve been a puddle of tears on more than one occasion when the lyrics of the song I’m listening to really strike a chord. I like to think those messages are from God and meant just for me.
The bottom line is we are never alone. God doesn’t want us to be afraid or worried because he’s there to strengthen us. He helps us and doesn’t let us fall. Lean into God today and let yourself feel his strength and support.
Let’s pray. Lord, I love you with my whole heart, soul, mind, and strength, and I want you to be the leader of my life. Thank you for never leaving my side and giving me what I need each day. Thank you for stepping into my mess and making things better. Lead me in the way you want me to go. I love your messages for me, may I keep my eyes open for them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.