We complete our reflection today about this verse in the book of the prophet Isaiah:

Fear not, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

The verse concludes with the promise that God will help. The image of God “upholding you with His victorious right hand” is based on the fact that most people are right-handed, and thus the right arm is the strong one. This echoes the earlier statement that God “will strengthen you.” The whole verse thus encourages us that we are not left to fend for ourselves against life’s troubles, or rescue ourselves out of life’s difficulties. We can look to God for help; and as we do, we no longer need be afraid.

Prayer – We thank you, O God, that You are here to strengthen and help us. Click To Tweet

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About the Author

Dr. David A. Palmer has been the senior pastor at the United Methodist Church of Kent since 1995. He has a B.A. from Wittenberg University, a Master of Divinity from Duke University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. A native of Wooster, Ohio, he has served three other churches in east Ohio before coming to Kent. He and his wife, Mavis, have three children.