New Year. New Beginnings.

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.” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)

Isaiah 41:10 is a comforting verse for everyday life, but it is especially meaningful at times when we are apprehensive, afraid, and in need. God reassures us in this verse that he is with us always.

“So do not fear” - He doesn’t say that if we believe in him there will be no fearful situations in our lives. Quite the contrary. He implies that there will be those times in our lives when we need his “righteous right hand” to lift us up. 

“I will strengthen you and help you” - If we trust in Him, He will be there in trying times to strengthen us and help us face our fears and challenges. We are not alone in our struggles. He is our God, and we can rely on his power to sustain us.

“. . . for I am with you” -  God is always present – acknowledge throughout your day that he is near. As you learn to rely on Him, seek to help others with their fears and remind them that through God’s strength comes comfort, courage and contentment.

As you go about your day, it may be helpful to identify areas of concern or fears in your life, and bravely face them knowing that God is with you. Surrender your anxieties to Him and pray for his presence and strength in your life.

Prayer

Father, we thank you for your promise and assurance.  We know you will be there in our times of uncertainty to uphold us with your righteous right hand. We pray for your presence when we are afraid or anxious. We surrender our weaknesses to you, knowing that the promise of your unwavering support will give us power to overcome our challenges and fears.

In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.

This devotion was written by Gary Hensley and read by Susan Daves.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.