Some toss and turn on their beds. But often it’s not insomnia – it’s fear. Some are in constant need of massages to relax their muscles – overly tense about something. Have you ever been there? Anxious, fretting, worried and wondering if God is going to let things spin out of control? Maybe you are right there today. No matter how much faith you try to muster up and no matter how many times you pray and confess your sins, you just don’t have the confidence that God has everything under control.
Often our minds spin and sputter, as our imaginations run wild, and we swamp ourselves with doom and gloom thoughts. Molehills grow into mountains ever so quickly.
The prophet Isaiah recorded some very encouraging words to God’s people in his day. Why should God’s people be afraid of the nations around them? The only thing the enemy nations had going for them was their idol-gods.
Fearful of the enemy, these idol-worshipping people hurried and scurried to construct an idol-statue for protection. They secured the necessary metal and started to work. The carpenter said to the goldsmith: “Great work! Speed it up! The metal looks great!” The craftsman who shaped the metal encouraged the tradesman working at the anvil. With speed, they worked together. Impressive teamwork it was!
The idol is just about ready to go public and take a stand before the fearful people. But why are they bending down at its base, just now, with hammers in hand? Of course, in order for it to stand, they must fasten it with nails to make it sturdy, steady and strong. That’s all the people (who did NOT know God) had to alleviate their fears.
In contrast to a propped up and fastened down metal idol, Isaiah records God’s words of reassurance to His people:
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 righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
When those who do not know God are nervous or afraid, they have very little to rely on and very few resources to call upon for strength and encouragement. We, on the other hand, can read these beautiful words and be reassured – knowing they are applicable to us as well.
Our God does not need to be propped up or fastened with nails. There is no weakness with Him. He is the Almighty God. Look to Him alone. Don’t look inside yourself or to human reasoning. Get your eyes on your God. Remember, you have a personal relationship with Him. He is holding you up and steadying you with His own “righteous right hand.” An always right right hand – and that’s not a typo.
You can do your own little study of the significance of God’s right hand throughout the Scriptures. Search the phrase and enjoy.
But just now, if you are flooded with doubts today and filled with fear, sneak away into a quiet corner. Get on your knees and open your Bible and let the Lord speak to your heart. A little time alone with Him alters our perspective dramatically and gives us a chance to appreciate His right hand.
Walk carefully and closely with the Lord today.
Warmly in Christ,
Peter Ramsay
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