“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
This was a promise that was given to God’s chosen people Israel. It is not a promise for those who have not been chosen by God. In other words, unbelievers have reason to fear and tremble. When they see craziness happening in the world they have reason to be scared. When their lives get turned upside down they have reason to be anxious. When they anticipate standing before the Almighty Righteous Omnipotent God they should be terrified.
But not those who know the Lord. This verse gives us several reminders why we can endure whatever comes our way with faith rather than fear.
1) God is with us! – This is one of THE great promises of Scripture. It is a promise that the Lord reiterates again and again. It is a promise that we need to daily remember because, quite frankly, often life can be a bear.
2) The Lord is OUR God! – He is not God of the unrighteous. His promises are effective for HIS people, not for everyone in general. And as we review biblical history we can see how God has demonstrated His faithfulness to His people again and again – and take heart. And be encouraged. And be emboldened. And be reassured.
3) God will strengthen us and help us and uphold us! – Just as we can be sure that God is with us, we can also be sure that life will be difficult at times, that tragedy will happen, that heartache will come our way. This is the effect of living in a fallen world. But we can also know that, without a doubt, God will be with us through it all. He will give us the strength to endure. He will comfort us when life seems more than we can bear. He will walk us through the valley of the shadow of death.
This is a BRICK worth pondering!