The Best of the Portals of Prayer

Read: Isaiah 41:1-10 // Psalm 105:1-11

“Fear not, I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10

Upheld by God’s Right Hand

A friend once told me that faith is not most valuable when you are at the end of your rope; rather, faith is most valuable when there is no rope. In pastoral ministry, I have often found this adage to be true. It is easy to think we can take care of ourselves as long as life is comfortable or just manageable. But when things go all wrong, we become fearful, dismayed, and weak.
When we are weak, God is strong. When we are confused, God speaks with clarity. When we fall down, God picks us up. My friend’s favorite hymn, “How Firm a Foundation,” is based on today’s words from Isaiah. The lyricist, John Rippon, included these words in the hymn: “Fear not! I am with you, O be not dismayed, For I am your God and I will give you aid; I’ll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand, upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand”.
The foundation of our faith is sure in Jesus Christ, our Lord – and that is sure! He gave His life that we might be His for time and for eternity.

Dear Lord, uphold me at times with Your righteous hand, and always strengthen me in faith and forgiveness through Your Son, Jesus. Amen.

September 22, 2004