I’ve recently been trying to read one scripture verse when I awake in the morning. The next goal is to meditate on that scripture regularly in a deliberate effort to give God my attention all throughout the day (more on that in a separate devotional).
One scripture in particular from last week struck a chord in me. So much so I called my cousin about it over the weekend and before I could get it out she was like: “Oh my gosh…ISAIAH 41:13!!!!!”
She had read it, too.
Here’s what it says:
For I hold you by your right hand—
Isaiah 41:13
I, the Lord your God.
And I say to you,
‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.
Honestly, as the days went on and new texts kept coming in, I still found myself coming back to this verse and meditating on it.
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After her initial exclamation and then our mutual acknowledgement of how awesome it is, we did an impromptu, very amateur theological dissection of the possibilities of why we were so moved by these words:
1. “Hold” – Holding your hand is different than taking your hand. Taking can imply temporarily for a specific reason or purpose. Holding suggests longevity. It also indicates intimacy. We both loved that God openly and willingly shows His intention towards us. He wants to be with us…walking hand in hand.
2. “Right Hand” – Both of us are right handed (sorry lefties!) The majority of the work we have to get done will be done with our right hand. It felt like God saying He intended to be there participating with us in our work. If you have a job where you constantly feel a little outmatched or in over your head, how great is it to know that the God of this Universe is committing to be there with your right hand! (Again, sorry lefties! He’s still there with you!!!)
3. “Fear Not” – If He has to say this that means He knows there are times that I will be fearful. Anxieties will come. I don’t have to feel shame when that happens. I just need to know what He’s saying: “You can stop being afraid. I’m here.”
4. “I will help” – There’s no qualifier on this. Like “I will help you…if you…” Nope. It’s just I WILL HELP YOU. That’s it. I’ve been reminding Him of this lately. “Hey! You said you would help me, remember????” I’ve also had to remind myself that often, the help provided does not resemble the assistance I thought I needed or the plan I would have crafted for myself. Frequently help is right in front of me if I have the eyes to see it and the heart to trust Him.
So my cousin and I sat there on the phone marveling at this one promise. The God of the Universe holding our hand, guaranteeing His unconditional presence and help. We were left with 2 lingering questions:
1. Seriously, what else do we need?
2. Who wouldn’t serve a God like this?
I hope you hear this promise today, friend. I hope you hear it with your heart. He wants to walk with you. He wants to hold your hand and participate in your daily activities (no matter how mundane they may seem). He’s whispering for you not to fear. He’s there specifically to help.
Morning Show Host, STAR 99.1
Sherri
I sooo needed to hear this! I lost 3 family members within 39 months. My mom, my youngest sister and 9 months ago, my husband of 46 years who was my best friend! I am devastated! Some days I don’t want to get out of bed. I am going to use this verse for my breath prayer. Thank you!
Blessings to you!
Lore
Blessings to you!!! Praying for your continual peace and comfort!
Sherri
THIS is why listening and reading the letters you and your fellow staffers at Star 99.1 communicate to us listeners help make the difference…because you care and it shows! I feel like God works through you to speak to me/us and I thank you for doing so every day. God bless you all and keep praying for us as I pray for you.
Thanks so much, Sandy!!
So beautiful. Hit the spot today. Thank you!
Thank YOU, Nancy!! Glad it hit you like it hit me.
Thanks for breaking down the scripture Sherri. A great reminder of His love and promises He has for us!
Thanks to Star 99.1 for taking the time for devotionals. They are uplifting and encouraging.
God Bless
Tracee F
Thanks, Tracee!! We’re grateful to be able to share with you!