[:en]SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH 41
“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)
“For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you” (Isaiah 41:13)
The God of Israel is in control of all nations. When the exiles were preparing to return to their land, God gave this assurance. “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” (v. 10).
He gave these promises:
- Those who rage against you or oppose you will be ashamed and disgraced. Those who oppose you will perish. (v. 11)
- I will take hold of your right hand and help you (vs. 13-14)
- I will make you into a new and sharp threshing sledge to fight against your enemies (vs. 15-16)
- I will not forsake the poor and needy (v. 17)
- I will make rivers flow on barren heights and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs. (v. 18)
- I will put the cedar and the acacia the myrtle and olive in the desert. I will set pines in the wasteland and fir and the cypress together. (v. 19)
When they looked ahead and wondered about their future, God gave them confidence with His counsel which idols cannot. He is the Holy One, the Almighty God, the Rock of our salvation.
When you are facing an unknown future, trust Him and claim God’s promise that He will strengthen you and help you. He will uphold you with His righteous right hand.[:]