Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10 (NJKV)
Isaiah is really two books rolled into one large book. The first 39 chapters were written during the time that the Assyrian nation was conquering west into Syria and the northern tribes of Israel (721 BC). The prophet reviews Israel’s history of rebellion, followed by God’s judgment (typically by being conquered or exiled), followed by God’s grace and mercy when the people repent (return from exile or foreign dominance).
This cycle seems to follow humans throughout history. When times are good and things are going our way, we tend to fall away from God, put Him on our back burner, find less time for prayer, let our vises have more power over our days. Yet, as soon as our fate turns, times get tough, we wish to jump back into a relationship with God. So often we wonder why God seems to be more distant, not immediately there when I’m needing Him to help. It seems only appropriate since God gave me the free will to do whatever I want, that I should exercise it. I expect God to come to the rescue when I find myself in trouble.
Have you ever found yourself in this cycle? How long does it take you to realize it and find your way back to God?
In our verse today, Isaiah has turned to looking into the future. Babylon is threatening the southern tribes of Judah (although the exile would be over 100 years later). Isaiah was predicting quite a defeat of Babylon allowing the return from exile. Jerusalem would once again be glorified, the people would turn back to God, and a new messiah would come to lead His people.
Isaiah reminds us that God is always with us, even when we fall away. His promise is to catch us when we fall. It may not seem that way at the time but looking back I can see where God provided me a helping hand. It might have been a friend offering support. A family member providing guidance. An opportunity to chart a new path. A mentor who shared a story about his “God moment” while on a mission trip to Honduras and simply offered the explanation “You just got to go”.
We often miss those God moments within the hustle of our daily lives. During Lent we were asked to take a moment to relax. Take a deep breath, close our eyes and clear our minds. Listen to those quiet, almost silent whispers of the Holy Spirit. Remember Isaiah’s words of God “Fear not, for I am with you”.
Question for Reflection:
- How often do you take a moment to clear your mind and listen for God’s love?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, We so often feel we don’t need You when times are good, but desperate when troubled. Please guide us to find balance in our relationship with you. Help me to find time each day to let you in. To listen to your words. In praise to Jesus Christ, Amen.
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