March 28, 2025

Isaiah 41:10-13
Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not be afraid, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, I will also help you,
I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Behold, all those who are angered at you will be shamed and dishonored;
Those who contend with you will be as nothing and will perish.
You will seek those who quarrel with you, but will not find them,
Those who war with you will be as nothing and non-existent.
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand,
Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’

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Lord. It's so easy to fall into fear.
It's that half step to the left,
and then we go
tumbling down a narrow winding shaft
with slippery slopes.
Then I have heard with my “spiritual ears”
you speaking, as you did to Isaiah,
and saying, “Don't fear because I am with you.”

“Don't be afraid, for I am your God!”
Your word promises strength and hope.
And that if we just hold on to your strong, righteous hand,
you will grasp our hand and the promise.
Help is on the way!

Sometimes we read too many posts on social media
forecasting doom and gloom,
and we clutch our rapidly beating hearts
where the palpitations just won't stop.

We bend over in pain
because the fear has paralyzed us.
But when we look back
at how you brought us over
and how you brought us through.
You brought us through a “Red Sea”
with waters standing up on both sides.
You defeated army after army without any weapons.
You spoke and the wind quit misbehaving.
I was in error! My own focus has often been misplaced.

Now that my eyes are on you,
I can sing with confidence.
My help is on the way.
The Son of God, Jesus Christ is his name.
May your name be praised always.
Amen.