"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

There are times in our lives when difficult circumstances, and situations arise with such vigour and force that we are filled with fear and dismay. Israel in its history had many occasions like this. When its political enemies gnashed their teeth at her boarders and her demise seemed imminent. In such times Israel had to remember were her strength lie- it lay in her God and in his commitment to them as a nation.

This fantastic prophetic word from Isaiah is a word for seasons of dismay and difficulty. Do not fear? Is this because there is nothing to fear? Not really. We are not to fear because God has committed himself to us in Christ. His promise is one of presence. He will always be with us, and he is God most high. He has pledged himself to us and assured us that he will help us and uphold us with his right hand.

Alec Motyer puts it something like this:

"All the opposition that is aligned against us (however hostile) must be held in tension with the firm embrace of the divine presence and his help and consequently it will come to nothing. The Lord's presence and commitment are the antidote to fear. To be dismayed is to look this way and that, being at a loss to know what to do. The Lord however is no passive companion. His presence brings active strength and a rising tide of assistance. Yes I will strengthen you; oh indeed I will help you; why I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Be encouraged friends- the Lord is our strength.

Grace and peace from Marcus