Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
DON'T BE AFRAID, I AM HERE!
I can't tell you how many times I have gone to comfort one of my children when they were scared or going through an especially difficult situation. It's amazing what a calming word or a gentle touch will do: "Don't be afraid, I am right here." They take comfort from those words and draw strength from our presence.
Our Heavenly Father does the same for us. When we are scared or when we think we are too weak to deal with difficult situations in our lives, our Father comes to us and says: "Fear not, for I am with you." As our all-powerful God He says: "Be not dismayed, for I will strengthen you."
But unlike earthly Fathers, our Heavenly Father -- our God -- is with us at all times, no matter where we might be, and no matter how alone we might feel. What's more, He holds us with His almighty right hand from which no one, not even Satan himself, can remove us!
Fear not, I am with thee, oh, be not dismayed;
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid;
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 427:3)
