I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. 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. “All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob, little Israel, do not fear, for I myself will help you,” declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.
— Isaiah 41:9-14

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“Held by God”

By Jennifer Kane

When darkness falls, I often turn to fear,
But then I hear the voice of my great God,
Whispering gently that He gives me strength,
And with His firm and righteous, loving hand,
He reaches out to offer constant help,
A promise made to shield and to uphold.

When I am weak, I wonder who will uphold
The weary weight of all that I now fear.
Yet still, I find His faithful hand will help,
For I am not forsaken by my God.
He leads me with His mighty, steady hand,
And every trial renews my inner strength.

In every storm, He grants me unseen strength,
A sure foundation that will always uphold
The truth that I am guided by His hand.
No longer shall I tremble or let fear
Control the steps I take, for now my God
Has pledged His endless mercy and His help.

In moments when I question where is help,
I’m gently reminded that His strength
Is ever-present; this is the will of God.
I need not doubt, for He will still uphold
My every need and cast away my fear,
With the assurance of His righteous hand.

I rise again, empowered by His hand,
Steadfast in knowing I have endless help,
For He has said, “Do not give in to fear,”
And in His words I find eternal strength.
He never falters, and He will uphold
All who are called beloved by my God.

I bow before the greatness of my God,
And find security within His hand,
For He alone has promised to uphold
His people through His mercy and His help.
Each day I rise, renewed by heaven’s strength,
No longer bound by shadows born of fear.

For God is here to help and guide my hand,
His strength will calm my fear, His love uphold,
With every step, I’m covered by His help.

~~~~~

Scripture: Isaiah 41:9-14

In these verses, God’s voice is both commanding and tender. He reminds His people—and by extension, us—that His calling is intentional and unwavering. God has chosen us, not because of what we’ve done, but because of His purpose and grace (Ephesians 2:8-10).

When we feel inadequate, rejected, or overwhelmed, God’s words offer assurance: “I have chosen you and have not rejected you.” These truths are a lifeline for anyone carrying the weight of fear or failure. God calls us to let go of fear, not because our challenges vanish, but because He promises to be with us.

God strengthens us through His righteous right hand, a symbol of His power, authority, and faithfulness. When He says, “I take hold of your right hand,” it paints a vivid picture of personal care and guidance. The Creator of the universe holds our hand as a loving Father, leading us through life’s storms (Psalm 73:23-26).

Even when He calls us “a worm,” it’s not to demean us but to highlight His redemptive power. In our lowliness, God shows His greatness. He is our Redeemer, the Holy One who lifts us up and gives us hope (Isaiah 44:22). This is a God who not only meets us in our weaknesses but transforms them with His strength.

Each time fear or doubt surfaces this week, repeat these words: “God is with me; He will strengthen me and help me.” (Isaiah 41:10) Write down the moments when you felt God’s hand guiding or strengthening you. Reflect on how these assurances impact your perspective. Commit Isaiah 41:10 to memory and meditate on it during moments of anxiety.

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Heavenly Father,
Thank You for choosing me and never rejecting me, even in my weakness. When fear threatens to consume me, remind me of Your promise to uphold me with Your righteous right hand. Take hold of my hand and guide me through life’s uncertainties. Strengthen me with Your power, calm my anxious heart, and help me to trust in Your presence. Redeemer and Holy One, I surrender my fears to You, knowing that You are my ever-present help. Thank You for walking beside me, leading me in love, and offering me Your unfailing strength.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

December 9 2024