After a week of traveling, my daughter and I were ready for the plainest meal on the menu. No heavy sauces, no fancy side dishes, and definitely no fried foods.
The mixed grill turned out to be the ideal choice. Healthy portions of nothing but lean, boneless meat—steak, pork, lamb, and chicken—grilled to perfection. (If you’re a vegetarian, how about a plate of grilled eggplant, asparagus, tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini?)
This week’s verse is like that meal. Simple, straightforward nutrition that fills our hearts with everything we’re hungry for.
“So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
“So…” Isaiah 41:10
A small word that speaks volumes. It tells us, “Because that is true, then this is true.” In the previous verse God promises his people, “I have chosen you and have not rejected you” (Isaiah 41:9).
So, since we are loved by God and chosen by God, we can trust what he says next.
“…do not fear,…” Isaiah 41:10
Calming words, comforting words. “Don’t worry” (ERV), the Lord says. “Don’t panic” (MSG).
If I seem fairly confident to you, let me squash that misconception right now. I have a whole list of fears that I constantly battle. Tight, enclosed spaces can really undo me. Restrooms on airplanes? Crowded elevators? A subway car packed with commuters? Help.
In those unavoidable situations, I take long, deep breaths and cling to these words: “there is nothing to fear” (AMP). Nothing. Why?
“…for I am with you;…” Isaiah 41:10
That’s what gets me through. I find somewhere safe to look—a door, a window, a clock—something that reminds me this fearful situation isn’t forever, and I listen for God’s voice whispering, “I am here, with you” (VOICE).
He is with you, beloved. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, he is with you. On your side, by your side. What a balm to our anxious hearts, to know that we are never alone!
“…do not be dismayed,…” Isaiah 41:10
The Hebrew word, shaah, means “to gaze,” which is why some translations tell us “do not look around” (AMP) or “turn not aside” (DRA) or “bow thou not away” (WYC).
Alas, that’s exactly what we do when we’re afraid. We look in the wrong direction. We lose sight of who is in charge. We forget we have a God who cares. That’s why he gently urges us, ““Do not anxiously look about you” (NASB) and “let nothing terrify you!” (GNT).
Where we aim our gaze really matters. Are we looking for someone or something to rescue us? Or are we looking to our Savior, who has already done so?
“…for I am your God.” Isaiah 41:10
He is not only with us. He is also in charge of us. He is our Creator, our Redeemer, our King. When he asks, “Am I not thy God?” (KNOX), we have the chance to say again, “Yes, Lord. You are.”
Committing our lives to God isn’t a one-time event. It’s an on-going experience. Every time we see some variation of “I am your God” in Scripture, that’s our cue to embrace the truth and respond in kind, “I am your child.”
If your earthly parents dropped the ball, you can be very sure God did not, cannot, and will not. This is a Father you can trust completely.
“I will strengthen you and help you;…” Isaiah 41:10
Our culture encourages us to be self-sufficient. But Paul speaks the truth: “when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). Walking in faith doesn’t mean we never stumble. It means humbly accepting God’s help so we can stand.
I’ve heard people say, “Christianity is for the weak.” Exactly. Admitting our weakness is how we discover God’s strength. That’s why “we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (2 Corinthians 4:7).
“…I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
There it is: that mighty strength that will “retain you” (AMP), “support you” (CJB), and “hold you steady” (MSG).
Just like the soaring eagle we learned about in the #10 Verse You Love Most, this image lifts us high above the fears and concerns that try to drag us down.
God has you well in hand. He will ”keep a firm grip on you” (MSG), and not just with any hand, but with his right hand. What’s that all about?
It’s the hand of deliverance: “Your right hand, Lord, shattered the enemy” (Exodus 15:6). It’s the hand of blessing: “you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16:11). And it’s the hand of power: “your hand is strong, your right hand exalted” (Psalm 89:13).
That’s the hand that is clasping yours. Not yanking you around, like an impatient babysitter, or squeezing too hard, like a bully at school. This is the hand of the One who cherishes you. His grip is firm yet loving. Always warm. And he never lets go.
And his words! “I am,” he says. Twice. “I will,” he says. Twice. Delicious and satisfying. Comfort food for the soul.
“So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Now it’s your turn
Might you be willing to name one fear or weakness you have, then one of God’s endless strengths that assures you he can overcome it?
Just add your response under Post a Comment below. Bless you for taking time to encourage your sisters.
Next time we’ll hop back over to the New Testament and unpack #8 of the verses you love most. What fabulous choices you’ve made!
Your sister, Liz
P.S I’m still in Scotland and very grateful for your patience. Might I also ask for your prayers when I speak Tuesday evening in Edinburgh?
Thank you for this! And what perfect timing. I have been worrying about and missing our daughter who is away for the week visiting her aunt. I have reminded myself countless times the past few days that I do trust in the Lord. And there is nothing to fear.
I also must mention how desperately I would love to be in Edinburgh myself! My mom’s family moved here in Ohio from Edinburgh many years ago. How I would love to have the means to visit!
My mother raised me to be afraid of what my daughter calls “Mr. What If”. I constantly battle fears too stupid to tell about or admit to. The only thing that enables me to crawl out of bed each morning is knowing that I am in God’s almighty hands and that He has promised to be with me. Praying for you, Liz, in Scotland. Would love to go to Scotland.
Dear sister, there are NO fears that are “stupid.” You can be sure God cares about them ALL, and so do we!
This could not have come at a better time for me. I have been struggling with fear of losing my job and this reminds me that I am not alone. Fear is bindage and our Father does not want us living in in bondage. God Bless.
My greatest fear is that I will lose everything…people I love, my home, my means of support. But I am no longer a slave to this fear because I know I can never lose God. He is my father who loves me, my savior who died for me, my constant companion, protector, and guide. I cannot say I never worry, I’m human and have “what-ifs” aplenty. But always remind myself my God love me and he has plans for me and all he wills is good.
I look forward to meeting you this summer at the Oregon Christian Writers Summer conference.
Really good counsel, Debby. And I look forward to meeting you as well!
The first time I read this verse it resonated in my heart. A few years later I was doing a mundane job and it came into my mind….that evening my husband was killed in a car crash leaving me with three young children. Our Lord brought this verse back to me two days after the crash to remind me again and has continued using that and other verses to encourage and stablelize me when needed. (often) My children are grown and married, I am remarried and I am so grateful to God for His word and His faithfulness. So do not fear………
A beautiful testimony, Christine, of God’s faithfulness through the most difficult of times.
I love this verse. The fears I battle is of the unknown. When my son loses his glasses or his expensive phone, when my daughter’s ACT score comes in low, when my husband is given a new position at work. I start to panic because I don’t know how things will turn out. I have begun to take a hold of myself and stop to pray and listen for the Lord’s guidance. What I hear over and over is,”I got this.” Praise God!
First thing that pops in my head are creepy crawly things. It’s what I always say when someone asks me what I am afraid of. But when I stopped and pondered a while I realized its that I do not want to be insignificant. I don’t want to be irrelevant in this world. And I do realize that my identity is in Jesus and therein also lies my importance. But sometimes I forget and need reminded. No one in this world will remember my name after a generation or two. But one day Jesus will read my name from His Lambs Book of Life and He will remember me. So who cares if they remember me here after I am gone! I belong to Jesus and that is relevant and makes me significant in His eyes.
I understand that fear very well, Cathy. Please, Lord Jesus, give us the strength to be insignificant to the world, knowing we are of great importance to you.
Being alone is the toughest thing for me. My best friend moved out of state several months ago. I am SO lost & lonely without her. We could talk about anything & she was always there for me. Hers was a rare friendship like nothing I’ve never experienced before. In my mid fifties, single, & with no kids, I usually don’t get very close to people. She was the single exception & it feels like a death losing her. I struggle to get up each day & go thru the motions like I’m OK but I feel empty & sad inside. I keep reading Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” I honestly don’t feel this inside now but I have to believe that someday, somehow, things will get better. This verse says it will. I just have to hang on…
Cathy, I have struggled with this too. In my case, it was my physical health that took me away from my job that defined me, my friends who nurtured me, my family who loved me, and I even had to begin attending a different church. Oh, how I clung to the God who loved me no matter what. I wanted to jump right into something, anything, to fill the void, but God held me back. Now , a year later, I know why – He had a plan. He has led me into just the right volunteer ‘jobs’, just the right church, and just the right relationship with my family and others. My grandchildren visit often and I am satisfied. God is good. So . . . don’t panic 🙂
Cathy, I think the worst thing about loneliness is that you have lots of love and no one to give it to. It is such an isolated feeling. I just read Marilyn’s post and it occurred to me that the volunteering probably also opened doors for new friendships and for her love poured out to be returned. You have so much to share and I pray for new doors to open and friendships to grow.
Your sisters are offering wise counsel here, dear Cathy, and I truly appreciate your honesty. Grief is a difficult journey. Emptiness, sadness, and loneliness are all part of the recovery process. I’ll be praying that God reveals himself to you as your Comforter and Friend.
Thank you Liz for this today. Especially the extra verses about God’s right hand. For some reason it put it all in perspective just that little bit clearer 🙂 At His word we were created, by His hand we are protected.
Everyone mentioned something I am afraid of! Guess they are common fears…want to tell you all I said a prayer for all of us and also hope your speech went well, Liz! xo
I’m afraid of losing my health. Right now it’s pretty good, but it is scary to me when things go wrong.
Perfect scripture for today! I am heading into a Season of Change – empty nest. My daughter leaves home in a couple of weeks – heading back to Scotland would you believe – and I pray that the Lord protects her and helps her make wise choices. Wish I was in Scotland at the same time as you Liz, would love to have heard you speak there. Have fun!
I’m not by nature a fearful person, but as I watch my country’s value system change rapidly before my eyes, I find myself nursing fears for the future. I have grandchildren growing up in a world where absolutely nothing is sacred anymore and children lose their innocence practically before they reach kindergarten. I have to constantly remind myself that none of it has been a surprise to God and He is still the King. Liz, I am encouraged by the “right hand of power”. Thank you!
great word Liz: so over the spirit of fear, love this encouragement to stand on the word of God and step up to answer the call ‘Do not fear’. Thankyou. Blessings over the continued days in Scotland.
Lately I’ve been in fear of displeasing God. Not out of living up to some leaglistic performance, but having I’ve had my feet dangling in the world, not walking in God’s Spirit. I’m a writer. I have been attending a secular writer’s group and recently was taken aback/shocked/revulsed by the language and graphic images so readily used by presenters during Open Mic. Lord, help me to shake the dust off my feet!
The image of the strong adult hand holding the child’s is the most poignant to me. I need that strength everday, but some days I need to feel God’s sovereign strength even more. Thank you for this encouragement.
Sarah, the Christian Writer’s Guild is a wonderful organization led by Jerry Jenkins. Their seminars and conferences are first class, professional teaching experiences. You might like to check them out. And why not start your own writers group?Sometimes it is difficult to walk in the secular world with a higher calling. But what a great way to be light in a dark world.
The fact that you could readily see the darkness, Sarah, and sense God leading you away from it is a good sign. His grip on you is firm.
F E A RRRRRR, just a tool of our enemy. We know that Jesus has destroyed our enemy, therefore his tool of fear is destroyed also.
There are things we should be fearful of but not paralized by them, example, snakes, bears, burning building etc.
Due to my childhood I was over protective of my children and fearful to let them out of my sight. My husband had a wonderful christian childhood and he would always point me to the Bible to help me over come my fear.
I want to say thank you to everyone for your encouragement last week. My grandson has had several surgeries, they all have been succesful, he is home, his leg is healing, the greatest miracle is there has been a brake thru with our comunication with him. During this time my concern was for his soul, more then his body. Let me tell you, God’s word is so full of promises, if you have an unsaved child, grandchild read Jerm. 31:15-17. The Lord opened my eyes to 20 different scriptures, I wrote them out and every day I quoted them, those verses took away ALL my fear. It is amazing that when I no longer had the words to express my fears God already knew them and gave me his words to express them. Praise God, Praise God, Praise God.
Remember, if God allows it to happen, (stuck in elevator, or on cruise ship)
It is another opportunity to LET GO and LET GOD.
Thank you Liz for this forum.
Marge, so good to hear about your grandson! Praise God, indeed!
Thanks for sharing your good news, Marge!
Thank you so much for this word today. My family has been living through many fears that have become reality lately. My husband has been laid off for 18mos and has finally found a job..in another state. This move is a huge challenge for me on so many levels. I’m 51 and have never lived anywhere else..kind of wishing I had this adventure when I was younger 🙂 Since my husband’s unemployment our friends have dropped like flies. and I’m a homeschool mom trying to move our family while my husband is already there… This is just the word I needed to hear.. Thank you Liz for allowing God to speak through you.
Thanks, Liz, for this reminder. We all struggle with fears of many kinds, but some are more overwhelming than others. My biggest fear is that of failure — failure to be the person God wants me to be, failure to be the person I would like to be, failure in relationships, failure in challenging jobs God has directed me to, on and on ad nauseum. This verse will be with me through the coming days as I undertake a couple of very big projects! Will be praying for you on Tuesday evening. Would love to be in Scotland with you:-)
Thank you so much for sharing this very wonderful post! This is a very timely reminder for me. I have been living in fear for a very long time and it is very difficult. I find comfort in prayer and knowing that God is always with me. I know He will never abandon me. Thank you for this and may God bless you!
My fear is being alone as I age.
I am currently married and my husband is almost 8 years older than me.
My son has chosen not to have a relationship with me; and its been about 12 years now.
My (step) daughter is angry with me and choose not to forgive me (her husband told me she doesn’t want to); so that relationship is strained.
My siblings disowned me when our dad passed away.
So, I feel like I am facing a future of being alone.
In my heart I know I am God’s daughter and He loves me and will not forsake me; yet I can’t help think who will be there physically to help me as I age.
I just want to thank you for this verse. It’s the best gift I could have received today. I have been battling with fear of the “unknowns” for a very long time but not as much as the past few days. I know the Lord has promised to stay beside me but there are times when I allow Satan to steal my peace. I have to keep running back to the Word for reassurance of my Lord’s love and provision for the future. Bless you for your ministry.
We are in a fire! My husband is facing a humiliating demotion caused by a personal agenda of a supposed leader. I am afraid! I can lean for a while and then the panic sets in. I get back in the groove with Jesus only to fall into the pit again an hour later. The middle of the night threatens to swallow me. I beg God for his help, to redeem my husband”s job. Many times the words are so jumbled that I can’t even pray. The precious moments keep me sane. God is definitely not early, but He is faithful. I AM! Hold me. I thank you for your tender mercies in a verse sent through your child, Liz. Just in time!
Jennifer I pray Isaiah 33:6 over you ………. “And He will be the stability of your times,
A wealth of salvation, wisdom and knowledge; The fear of the Lord is his treasure.” NASB
I KNOW exactly where you are, having been there myself. HE IS our Strength, our Hope, our Strong Deliverer, our Fortress, our Almighty God who never slumbers nor sleeps! HE IS! (Or as He put it … I AM!) Faithful. Good. Holy. Light. Peace. Joy. Bread. Living Water. Truth. Ever Present. Merciful. OMNISCIENT (He knows all about that personal agenda.)
HOPE = Hold On Persevere Endure in the Name of Jesus!
Bless you for this good word, Debbie.
This passage of scripture has become my “LIFE” verse. This is a promise that I count on time and time again. I have come to really understand that no matter how bad my past was, or how messy a day can be.. God created me to be as special as everyone else… afterall… I am a child of the King…
After reading this scripture for the first time just a few years ago, I instantly fell to my knees weeping while holding my hand up and asking the Lord to please help me and take my hand. When I realized that “I” can not fix me I had to ask the Lord for help. As the gentleman he is, he extends his hand each time, yet with the other hand he is wiping away my tears, holding my aching heart or he simply draws me into to his arms. No matter how messy my life
is, he guides me through my trial. Although when I get lost or distracted I have to call out to him again because I let go of his hand.
Fear of failure has a huge grip on my life. It paralizes me at times. I am currently doing Beth Moore’s online summer Bible study on “Gideon, Your Weakness, God’s Strength”. How amazing that Liz would break down this very verse today revealing God’s strength in my weakness. I loved the comment about “His right hand” . Many years ago someone told me that God always has His hand out for us, but we let go. I am placing that image in my focus this week on His strength and hold tightly to His grip on me.. I must remember that when my fear overwhelms me it is because I have lost mt grip!
Dear Linda, and Dori too, there are times when we may feel we’ve let go of God, but rest assured, he will NEVER let go of you!
“The Lord makes firm the steps
of the one who delights in him;
though he may stumble, he will not fall,
for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” Psalm 27:23-24
Fear~ People
Talking to them, letting them into my home. Serving them, loving them. Making phone calls. Going to the dr. Every day things and more.
Somedays I hate the anxiety that gets me down. But I remember Paul’s words about weakness. And when God tells me to go, I go. Sometimes I hide in shame and admittedly do not obey. Then I ask forgiveness and let His grace blanket me. But ultimately his word gives me strength and encouragement “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3
aah, i love that. My life is hidden with Christ, in God. He blankets me, surrounds me..walks with me, moment by moment. Thank You Jesus!
God bless you, Jo, for pressing through your fear with the strength of God’s Word.
I have survived many crises in my lifetime; this verse has helped sustain me. Thanks for sharing your wisdom in a way to refresh our minds and hearts of God’s power and presence. When I lost my son, mother and dad, husband; I would remember promises kept are hope for his promises of the future! I am still learning to take a day at a time and enjoy His presence in each day/occasion! Thanks, Liz. Pray you keep speaking and writing words of encouragement to women throughout the world. God Bless
This is a great verse, and timely for me. My family has been going through lots of change, and a lot more needs to occur. Sometimes it’s overwhelming and I become so fearful. All the whats and ifs and mights loom up and panic sets in rather than a sense of adventure.
I loved the picture of the child’s hand in the adult’s. I’m so glad God has this–and all our times in His righteous and strong right hand.
God is leading me in a new direction for my life. I am a women who has been divorced for fours years. I suffered through 3 breakdowns and have been in recovery for three years. I’m a grandma of three and I feel God calling me into any area of servant hood. my fear is that my fears will come back. I constantly remind my self that God will never leave me and that he loves me. He has my back Isaiah 41:10 is the verse I needed to hear today and has confirmed that God will be behind me in what I set out to do. A recovery home for women has asked me to come and be a part of their ministry. I want to do God’s will and not my own and be his servant, Isaiah 41:9. He has chosen me.
I want to Thank my Good Friend Diane for sending this e-mail for I needed to read. I do believe in God. I just don’t understand if we give our worries to Him & I do & I pray to him 24/7 that he lets situations happen to me all the Time. Example am worried about my finances & then 4 situations have happen that will cause me to use $$ & he knows this is going to happen. I could give other situations so I hope you know what I’m talking about I try to do the right things for God & Yes, maybe I should Thank Him More & I do try & let Him know when He does something Good I Thank Him. Thank-You Liz
Dear liz:)
Thank you for this verse. My fear is opening myself to others. Getting to close to see the real me or being vunable. Its hard, but the LORD is good.
I love this verse! The day my husband lost his job, after 22 years with the organization, this verse “randomly” popped up on his verse of the day. God knew where are frantic thoughts would be and provided his peace before we even ask! What an awesome God we serve.
Thank you for these gems of insight into God’s word. Love, love, love it!
I just read Mad Mary. I have been a Christian for over 35 years, but when I read of Jake asking John to take care of his Mom, it was an eye opener for me. I cannot even describe it. Can I just say Mad Mary has replaced Redeeming Love as my favorite book of all time.
Now to this verse, forty three years ago I was an unwed pregnant teenager when a Christian gave me this verse. It has proven to be true my whole life.
Liz, you are my sister in Christ, and I hope to hug you one day..
Mad Mary, re-released as Unveiling Mary Magdalene, is very dear to my heart, so bless you for embracing her story, Jean. Consider yourself hugged, long distance! Praise God for his faithfulness to you, and to all of us who depend upon his mercy and grace.