Isaiah 41:10 He is with you

Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with my right hand.

Observation

Do you ever wonder where God is in your situation? Maybe you feel that since your Christian performance has been less then commendable that God has left you.  This is a common lie from the enemy.  We have heard that God's love is unconditional, but we somehow believe we are the exception.

In studying Isaiah, Israel has received an ominous message from the LORD (Isaiah 30; 39:6-7), one filled with consequences for their behavior.  However, God encourages them in chapters 40 and 41 by reassuring them of His faithful presence. 

We don't have to be anxious about whether or not God is with us. We don't have to worry if we have pushed or even driven Him away. God doesn't throw His hands up in the air in frustration over our performance.  As a child of God we have the promise of His continued presence. 

God isn't just an onlooker in our day to day activities, He is a participator.  As we walk, He is strengthening us, helping us, and holding us up. Many times it isn't until after the storm has passed that we have realized that He was carrying us all the way through.

Application

I have been overcome with regret over my heart condition these last few weeks.  My critical spirit and selfish attitude have been less then becoming. As I knelt down to confess my sin this morning, I asked God to show me His presence. My heart yearned for the reassurance that He was with me and that He hadn't given up on me. In His goodness, He revealed Himself in His word, providing the very morsels of nutrition that I needed today.

Prayer

God, You are the Creator of the universe. You are the Everlasting God (Isaiah 40:28). You are my strength, You are my portion, You are my help and salvation. You are my everything. I praise You for the healing and comforting power of Your word today.  May Your people be reassured of Your mindfulness of them this day.  I praise You for Your love and faithful care.