DEVOTION – DAY 441

Isaiah 41:13 “God Will Help You”

Isaiah 41:13 “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 lived in the troubled period when the nation of Israel was in decline. Israel was divided into the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah. They would experience growing threats from the Assyrian Empire and later, the Babylonian Empire. Against this backdrop of living under threats of war and exile, Isaiah called his people to repent, and to offer hope. In v13, Isaiah reminded his people that the Lord, their God would come to their aid. They do not need to be fearful. Isaiah assured his people that God was holding their right hand. In the Bible, the right hand is a symbol of power and salvation. This assurance is also applicable to us today.

Today, Christians may not be facing threats of war or exile. But they face threats of different kinds. Some face health issues that may be life threatening or may affect their quality of life. Some face financial issues because of rising costs affecting businesses and jobs. Some face marital difficulties because they have failed to work at relationships with their spouses. Some face pressures from cyber bullying and trying to live up to unreasonable expectations of others. Whatever the threats, God is reminding Christians, “I am the Lord, your God who takes hold of your right hand. Do not fear, I will help you.”

We know someone who suffered a relapse in her health condition. As a result, she had to be hospitalized and became immobile. There were times when fears may overwhelm her. What if her condition worsened? What if the Lord takes her home? How will her family manage without her? What if she becomes bed-ridden or become bound to a wheelchair? But she remembered God’s promises and assurances. God had come to her assistance in the past and He can come to help her again. She remembered in Romans 8:28 that in all things God for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purposes. Even if she did not know why she had suffered a relapse, she trusted that God will work something good out of her experience. So, she was able to calm her fears as she walked in faith with the Lord through her medical crisis. 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, You are our Deliverer. You are trustworthy and Almighty. With you holding our right hand, we need not fear because You will help us. Thank you for Your loving assurance. Please help us to be faithful and to trust in You. We humbly pray in the great name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

  1. What kind of fears do you struggle with? Share.
  2. How has this devotion and verse help you to trust in God and His help for you? Share.
  3. How has god helped you in the past? Share.
  4. Why is it important for you to trust God and not in anything else? Discuss.