Isaiah 41:10 and 13
10Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
13For I hold you by your right hand—
I, the Lord your God.
And I say to you,
‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.
As I read these two verses, I was amazed at the comfort they brought me. This chapter talks about Israel’s enemies and idols and how God will defeat them. We have enemies too. Maybe not enemies of war but the enemies which keep us from serving the Lord effectively. We all have these distractions. Whether it be watching too much TV or spending too much time on Facebook, I am guilty of these. Maybe you have something else which keeps you from serving.
Yet, God will help you fight these enemies. He says He is with you. He will give you strength and help you. You will serve Him victoriously if you rely on Him. Just let God hold your right hand.
I asked myself what does it mean “For I hold your right hand”? Why not the left hand? I am right-handed so for me to hear God is holding my hand it seemed like the natural choice. But I do not think this is what God means here. You see, back in the day when a gentleman was walking down the street with his wife or girlfriend, he would automatically walk so he was closes to the street. Perhaps he would hold her hand as if to say to the world “she is mine, I will protect her”. The man would be on the left next to the street and if he were holding the woman’s hand, he would be holding her right hand. Maybe that is what God is saying here? Is God saying, “You are mine, I am going to protect you”. from the enemies in the “street”?
So here I am metaphorically holding my right hand up saying to God “I am Yours, protect me!”. I will not be afraid to serve Him. I will not be afraid of my enemies. God will help me defeat them. I only must trust Him! Hold my hand Lord! Does God have your right hand?
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