This Day’s Scripture Threshings for Wednesday, February 6, 2019
Today’s Text: Isaiah 41:8-13
Key Verse: ”Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (vs. 10, ESV)
I recently watched Easter, a toddler girl, exhibit her full right of dependence and insecurity of a child in one of our meetings; and she gave me a fond memory of my children when they were that age. Children’s attachment to their parent is partly born out of their sense of security and dependence. They scream so loud when daddy or mommy walks away. That’s their protection walking away there; and the whole world may fall on them. Like any other child, Esther freely navigates everywhere with a daring independence and courage as long as she knew her caring mother’s watchful eye was on her, and her loving hand was extended to help her. The next moment she may panic and screams when her mom walks some steps away. This aptly pictures our spiritual situation and the Lord’s nearness to help us as children as we make our way through life with its varied uncertainties.
Today’s Scripture presents us a glorious Reminder of such tenderness with which God treats us. The “fear thou not, for I am with thee” is not only an assurance of appearance within call, but of constant presence with us. Two times he uses “hand” to offer his weak people, who are so obviously feeble that he described them as “thou worm Jacob” not to fear or be dismayed because “I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (v. 10). O how this portrays how anxious and fearful children are strengthened by the steady hands of their parent. Today’s text shows how much feeble we are on our own — in spite of all our arrogance and pride — we are so weak and helpless without the Lord. We are weak in our dying body, and subject to all forms of infirmities: mental poverty, spiritual failures, limitations of our humanity, we are troubled by works we have to do, weakened by sufferings we bear, terrified by the strength of forces which are against us (of all they that were incensed against thee or they that strive with thee), faced with the weight of an uncertain terror-stricken age, agitated by unknown battles we may have to fight, and apprehensive of many unknowns; the logical inclination of all is to give way to fear and simply become dismayed.
But God’s sympathizing "I am with thee" bursts our fear in a deep and maturing level — better than assuring presence of a friend or a parent in our times of trouble. — a reassuring thought that we are safe and secure from all alarms. “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand” (v. 13). While life situations and times have changed, the Lord hasn’t, and wouldn’t. While family and friends forsake us, He promises to never leave nor forsake us. Therefore we need not despair because not only can we rest on His able abiding arms, but we may rely on His “do not fear,” and His almighty providence interposing for us.
Quote for the Day: “As long as we do not rely on mortal feeble hands, we have no reason to fail or fall; and as long as we rest on immortal invincible hands, we have no reason to fear.” (Simon Olatunji)
Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank you for your grace and your mercy. I thank you for your ever abiding presence and assurance; and for allowing me to be under your covenant. I thank you for the assurance I have of my ultimate triumph, not only for myself, but for the cause of truth and righteousness in which I am engaged for your kingdom. God I trust you, I love you, I honor you, and all glory is yours. In Jesus Christ’s most glorious name. Amen.
With all my Love and Prayer,
Simon Wale Olatunji, PhD
The Darling Bishop (DaBishop),
2321 S Belt Line Rd., Suite 144,
Grand Prairie TX 75051 USA
Email: reachingout@hopeforallnations.org
BBMme: E3F988D2
[This Day’s Scripture Threshings is a devotional guide of The House of Prayer Evangel Church USA. Feel free to use it in your family altar and personal quiet times; and to contact us for further enquiry, help and partnership.]
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