Courage, Strength and Help
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “…fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 ESV
Isaiah was God’s voice of warning, judgment and call to repentance. It is interesting that in this chapter where the shallowness of idols and false god and human efforts are laid out, that there is in contrast the assurance of help that is found alone in the Lord.
When troubles arise and difficulties come, just encouraging someone to “be strong” is not enough. We see this in the words of the prophet, “Everyone helps his neighbor and says to his brother, “Be strong!” (Isaiah 41:6 ESV)
But true comfort, courage and strength comes from the Lord who is with us as we seek Him and call on His name. His assurance is, “if you call, I will answer…” (Psalm 91:15)
This assurance is not just given once, but is found in three verses. In addition to the words of verse 10 we read,
“For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” (Isaiah 41:13 ESV)
“Fear not….I am the one who helps you, declares the Lord; your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.” (Isaiah 41:14 ESV)
God’s people were facing a “real and present” danger from the Assyrians and other nations that were set against them. Their false gods would be of not help, encouragement or reassurance. If they were going to have any confidence at all for their future it would be found in, “the Lord the Creator of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:2)
True strength, courage and victory comes from the Lord. He is our steadfast and ever-present help. He doesn’t ask us to carry our burdens and trails and times of testing alone. Contrary to some statements, God is not using the difficulties of life to “test our strength.”
We need to remember, “he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.” (Psalm 103:14) The Lord’s desire is for us to be quick to turn to Him and to find in Him the courage, strength and help that He stands ready to provide.
I am reminded of the words of the old hymn, “O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.”
Prayer for today…. Lord thank You that You stand ready to replace our fears with courage, strength and help. May we be quick to trust, quick to call on Your name and receive the help in our time of need.