Helped!

Helped!

For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. Isaiah 41:13 KJV 

Context and Charge:

The very first thing that I observed from the verse above is that God introduces himself to all of us, in different ways and at different times. There is however a common factor in all these experiences, and it is that God will never lie about who He is or be inconsistent in his dealings with us. No matter the generation or the dispensation, the revelation of who God is must be the priority and pursuit of all of us. In this verse, he is introduced as the Lord thy God. There is no other authority or person who can make such claims. There is no human being who can claim permanent lordship over anything or anyone. 

That is the exclusive preserve of the Most High God. Is this God who speaks here my own God too, or am I actively seeking and pursuing after another God? Then he tells me what he is going to do for me. He says He will hold my right hand. What I understand from this is that the stronger one always holds the weaker one. It is the stronger one who keeps the weaker one in check, keeping him/her from danger, and in some instances, having to physically restrain the weaker one from getting into trouble. That is power at its best. He doesn't just hold my right hand, but also speaks words of encouragement and support to me, addressing the very core of my essence and existence. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

For all human beings, fear is a real thing. The uncertainties around daily life make it difficult for us to settle our hearts on God. The unknown tomorrow keeps our hearts busy; we want some measure of certainty and assurance, yet the only thing we really need is the confidence and assurance that comes from the sure and certain presence of God Himself. If God is on my side, holding my hand, what is there to fear? If he has spoken to my heart and told me not to fear, what change would worry and fretting bring? I do not notice anywhere in today's extract where God demands something from me before he holds and helps me. 

I do not read of any conditions precedent, apart from being made in the image of God, that qualifies a man to access God's abundant grace and mercy. God's help cannot be paid for by physical currency. God cannot be bribed by the things that are already directly under his control and influence. God is not moved by the things that move the hearts of men. God is in charge, and if I can only trust him totally, I will see the earthly and eternal benefits that accrue to me. Fear has no hold on me, because the One who has conquered fear is the One holding my hand. He has spoken here; what is your response? God's time of favour is here.