STRENGTH, HELP AND HOPE (1)

“I will STRENGTHEN you, Yes, I will HELP you, I will UPHOLD you with My righteous right hand’ – Isaiah 41:10b

God’s banqueting table overflows with Divine STRENGTH, HELP, and HOPE: “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’” (Isa.41:10). This verse is a classic example of the many encouraging verses in the Book of Isaiah, which reflect God’s Power, Love, and Providence. A number of layers of truth emanate from this portion of scripture regarding: Reassurance of Faith, Strength, Help, Upholding Hope, and Divine Defence.

Reassurance of Faith: “Fear not, for I am with you.” God is always with us. He is with us day and night, no matter what we’re going through. That’s a promise! His Presence reassures our Faith and leaves no reason or room for fear. Moreover, we’re encouraged to not be dismayed, because the Lord is our God: “Be not dismayed, for I am your God.” Dismay, also called Distress, is usually instigated by the unexpected. But we serve the Living Christ, Who conquered death for us, so there is no reason to be dismayed no matter what life throws our way!

Strength and Help: “I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you.” God promises to provide us with His Supernatural Strength and help. When we’re feeling like we can’t go on or we just don’t know how we’re going to get through the day, God will be right with us to provide the Strength and Help we need to get through whatever we’re facing.

Upholding Hope: “I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” God promises to uphold us with His righteous right hand. Historically, to be put on someone’s right hand is to be held in great honour. God’s right hand specifically symbolizes His Power and His Greatness. That means, if we ever lose footing, He’ll be there to hold us up if we trust Him. In Christ, we’re recipients of Upholding or Sustaining Hope – the Hope to cope and ultimately conquer through His Word and His Spirit. Some blessings manifest through the process of time, such that the waiting period is a coping season – when the heart needs upholding. The Lord is the Upholding One to turn to for Help at such times of trials.

Divine Defence: “Behold, all those who are incensed against you shall be ashamed and disgraced; they shall be as nothing, and those who strive with you shall perish” (v.11). This promise is the reality for those whose battles the Lord has taken over!

The cycle of promises returns to Divine Help: “For I, the Lord your God, will HOLD your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I WILL HELP you’ (v13). God’s Right Hand holding our right hand! The outcome: “You shall rejoice in the Lord, and glory in the Holy One of Israel” (v.16b).