My son and I were doing our Bible study this morning when we were guided to read some verses sharing a variety of God’s promises. We were so touched by these few verses for a couple of reasons. First, it was just a sample of His promises and there are so many more to be found. Second, even in this small sample we realized that God has us covered! From promising to forgive our sins if we confess them, to teaching, guiding, and helping us – there is nothing that we need that God does not promise to us.
I’d like to share one of those promises because it made me think of you, my friend. In your struggles and fears, God has a promise that I want to make sure you hear. Read it slowly and let it sink in to your heart:
“For, I the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you,’” (Isaiah 41:13, New King James Version).
Picture what the LORD is telling you. Can you see His gentle love for you, his desire to give you the comfort of a held hand and words of encouragement?
At the same time that I was filled with joy over God’s promises, I was also saddened. I realized that I don’t live in His promises. I don’t live as forgiven. I don’t always trust that He will guide me. I know that in the darkest times of Seth’s health (the times I was consumed by worry) I didn’t live knowing He was holding my hand. Do you, Dear One?
Every once in awhile, I hear Christians talk as though God is no longer involved in life on earth – He’s left us on our own. But, Hebrews 13:8 tells us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever,” (New King James Version). If we believe God’s word is true then we have to believe that what He promises Himself or through any prophet remains today. It brings tears to my eyes to think of all the people who don’t know how God longs to hold their hand and help them along.
So, I’m starting with me and then asking you a couple of questions. Do I/you feel His loving hand holding ours? Do we hear His whisper to our hearts, “Don’t be afraid, my child, I’m right here?”
I’m afraid my answer has to be “no”. I’m too busy seeking my own answers to my problems. I’m too focused on my worries or what has to be done next. I’m not holding His hand being lead by His love and wisdom.
How about you?
When your child is sick, it’s all too easy to try to rise up to our problems and solve them ourselves or do the complete opposite and become completely hopeless, stuck in fear. This verse in Isaiah tells us to do something different – become child like and give your hand and fears to your Daddy.
How do we do that? We ask for His help to know Him like this, and then take steps to get to know Him.
I would encourage you to make a practice of highlighting the promises of God that you find as you read His word. It may benefit you more to actually write them down. I’ve started a section in my prayer and Bible study notebook to jot down the promises I find. When we are afraid or anxious, we can have these verses on hand to easily remind ourselves of the truth. The book of Isaiah is full of God’s promises. It’s a great place to start if you are ready to jump in and seek out His promises to you.
I am praying that you will have the peace that only comes from the strength of His hand.
In His love,
Kimberly
