Life has a way of reminding us just how little control we really have. We make plans and prepare for tomorrow, yet sometimes circumstances change without warning. A telephone call brings unexpected news. A visit to the doctor leaves us concerned. Financial difficulties arise, relationships become strained or the burdens of everyday life simply leave us weary.
Even the strongest Christians sometimes find themselves discouraged. We love the Lord and desire to remain faithful, but the journey can become difficult.
If that describes you today, remember this wonderful truth: You are still in His hands!
In Isaiah 41:10, God declares, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
These words were originally spoken to Israel, but they reveal the faithful character of the God we serve. Within this verse, we discover three wonderful reasons for encouragement.
First, His presence is our peace.
Notice that God does not simply say, “Fear thou not.” He gives a reason: “For I am with thee.”
God never promised that life would be free from difficulties. He never said we would escape every storm or avoid every heartache. However, He has promised His children that He will never leave them nor forsake them.
Remember the disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee? A terrible storm arose and fear gripped their hearts, even though Jesus was aboard their ship.
When they awakened Him, Jesus spoke three simple words: “ Peace, be still.” Immediately, the wind ceased.
But consider something wonderful. Jesus was in the ship before the storm began, while the storm was raging and after the storm had passed.
Our peace does not come from the absence of trouble, but from the presence of our Saviour.
Second, His power is our provision.
God continues in Isaiah 41:10, saying, “I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee.”
There will be times when our own strength is insufficient. Some burdens are simply too heavy to carry alone.
The Apostle Paul understood this. When he pleaded with God to remove his thorn in the flesh, the Lord answered, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Paul wanted his circumstances changed, but God promised sufficient grace.
Perhaps you are facing something that seems overwhelming. Remember, you do not need enough strength for the rest of your life today. You simply need to trust God for the strength required for this day.
Lamentations 3:23 reminds us that His mercies are “new every morning.” God has not exhausted His supply of grace, and His strength has not diminished!
Third, His promises are our preservation.
In Isaiah 41:13, the Lord declares, “For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.”
What a beautiful picture!
Imagine a small child walking through a crowded place while holding his father's hand. The child may not understand every danger around him, but he finds comfort knowing his father is near. Even more comforting is knowing his father has a firm grip on him.
Jesus said in John 10:28, “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”
What an assurance for everyone who has trusted Jesus Christ as Saviour!
Perhaps today you are weary, worried, or wondering what tomorrow holds. You may not have every answer, and your circumstances may not change immediately.
But remember this: The God who brought you this far has not abandoned you now.
Keep praying. Keep trusting. Keep serving. Keep looking to Jesus.
The storms may rage, the burdens may grow heavy, and the road may become difficult, but one wonderful truth remains unchanged. You are still in His hands, and there is no safer place to be!
Jimmy Barrett is a resident of Blackshear and pastor of Southside Baptist Church in Waycross.
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