Isaiah 41 Devotional

Held by the Right Hand

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”Isaiah 41:10 (BSB)

God summons the nations to court. He has stirred up a conqueror from the east, and the coastlands tremble (41:1-5). Their response is almost comic: craftsmen cheer each other on and nail their new idol down so it will not tip over (41:6-7). Then God turns to Israel and speaks to them as his servant, chosen and not rejected, the descendants of Abraham his friend (41:8-9).

A run of promises follows. He tells them not to be afraid, because he is with them, and he will strengthen them and hold them up with his righteous right hand (41:10). He pictures himself taking hold of their hand as he says it (41:13). He calls Jacob a worm and in the same breath names himself their Redeemer (41:14). Then the idols are challenged to predict anything at all, and they have nothing to say (41:21-29). Idols have to be held up. The living God holds up his people. Whatever has you afraid, your grip may weaken, but his does not.

To think about: What fear would lose some of its power if you pictured God holding your hand through it?