Reassurance from A Mighty God

20160603_155651 (1)Today after some errands related to our basement finish, I headed to Denver to visit my mom and run a couple of errands. That weekend traffic coming home was intense so I ran late to a meeting with a candidate for the US Senate back in Loveland. My highlight for today, was connecting with my friend Rick Enstrom. Rick and I were both candidates in 2012, sharing some overlapping neighborhoods. Rick graciously provided some “silent auction” items for our upcoming Larimer County Lincoln Day Dinner. Always good to connect with my gracious, generous and faithful friend. (Check out http://www.enstrom.com/ )

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 HCSB

Isaiah contains some great verses that have provided encouragement to many over the years. This verse above is certainly of of those. This is a verse that would be found in an old fashion “promise box.”

We don’t know for sure the context in which it was originally given, but it certainly would seem to fit the time when Assyria was laying siege to Jerusalem and their arrogant King was ranting against God, King Hezekiah and the armies of Judah.

This chapter begins with a vivid contrast between the Lord God and the idols of man. This is how the Lord God is described, I, Yahweh, am the first, and with the last—I am He.”  The islands see and are afraid, the whole earth trembles.” (Isaiah 41:4,5 HCSB) This is the description of idols,The craftsman encourages the metalworker; the one who flattens with the hammer supports the one who strikes the anvil, saying of the soldering, “It is good.” He fastens it with nails so that it will not fall over.” (Isaiah 41:7 HCSB)

The Lord God has chosen His people, the pagan nations have chosen their god. As a result, the Lord speaks and says, “Don’t be afraid….” The God who made all the earth and its inhabitants is able to give strength and provide the help that is needed. The worker secures the idol, the Lord God secures His people. Today, people look to themselves or others or finances for security, but true security is found in the Lord.

Isaiah continues and gives this reassurance from the Lord, Be sure that all who are enraged against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you will become as nothing and will perish.” (Isaiah 41:11 HCSB) That is exactly what happened to the armies of Assyria and their King.

We see the Lord repeating the reassurance of His intervention in “holding on” to His people, dispelling fear and providing the help that is needed. We see that the Lord encourages and continues to encourage, He helps and continues to help, the provides bold confidence and continues to give reassurance.

In your life, what are the voices or circumstances that bring fear and instability? My recent visit to the Neurologist was that for me. So, I choose to hold on the God’s word that says, Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.” I need  God’s strength, help and stability that gives reassurance and drives away fear of the future, how about you?

Prayer for today… Lord, I am reminded that when I look at circumstances I can become distressed, when I look at myself, I can become depressed, but when I look at You I am blessed. Today, I need your strength, stability and help. Thank you that Your presence drives away fear and provides hope.