Isaiah 41.10-13; 43.1-7
The Lord reminded Israel of His special relationship with Him, and this principle of His loving care stands true for every believer in Jesus Christ. No matter what we are experiencing, no matter the depth of our pain or the difficulty of our trial, no matter how tired or weary we may feel, our confidence can be in the unchanging Lord. He who was faithful to Israel is also faithful to every child He has redeemed through the blood of Jesus Christ.
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 43.10). Note His words: I am with you; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you. When the Lord says, I will we can have absolute confidence He will, because He is ever faithful, ever a keeper of all His promises, ever able to accomplish all He has said. Today, may we rest in His presence, His strength, His help, and His sustaining power. But now, thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel; “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior” (Isaiah 43.1-3). Note again in these verses the gracious promises of our Savior and the confidence we can have in Him. I have redeemed you, I have called you, you are mine, I will be with you, I am the LORD your God. As redeemed, called, and belonging to the Lord, believers in Jesus Christ can have the utmost assurance our Lord will ever be with us, will never leave us, and will always enable us to live in a manner pleasing to Him.
The hymn writer reminds us of these unchanging truths:
Why sinks my weak, desponding mind? Why heaves my heart the anxious sigh?
Can sovereign goodness be unkind? Am I not safe, since God is nigh?
He holds all nature in his hand; That gracious hand on which I live
Does life, and time, and death command, And has immortal joys to give.
‘Tis he supports this fainting frame; On Him alone my hopes recline;
The wondrous glories of His name, How wide they spread, how bright they shine.
Infinite wisdom! Boundless power! Unchanging faithfulness and love!
Here let me trust, while I adore, Nor from my Refuge e’er remove.
My God, if thou art mine indeed, Then I have all my heart can crave;
A present help in times of need Still kind to hear and strong to save!
Yes! Secure in our Redeemer – we have much to be thankful for –
Forgive my doubts, O gracious Lord! And ease the sorrows of my breast;
Speak to my heart the healing word, That thou art mine, and I am blest.
– Anne Steele (1716-1778)
Yes! Secure in our Redeemer – we do have much to be thankful for –
Terry
My Morning Desk 