‘Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Isaiah 41:10
Divine strength is really indescribable. It has to be experienced. It comes from God and causes us to realize that the strength in which we move is not of our own making. While some head to the flesh (drinking, drugs, pornography) as a means of masking their struggles, God says, “Come to me all who are weary and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). And it is the rest that comes through a relationship with Jesus that brings that ultimate sense of strength, power, and determination to continue on in our calling. So when God says, “I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand’, He means exactly what He says. Let’s take a look at five remarkable declarations that God makes, applicable to all born again believers in Christ.
- I will strengthen you!
My soul weeps because of grief; strengthen me according to Your word.
Psalm 119:28
Even in times of sorrow and grief, God is ready to shine His love and strength into our lives. The problem is often that we tend to avoid grief or sorrow. In other words, we do whatever is necessary to steer clear of those “negative” feelings. But instead of masking the problem through seemingly endless pursuits of pleasure and material wealth, bouncing from activity to activity, we should be still before God. We should spend time conversing with Him and sharing our deepest sorrows and grief so that we can receive what the Psalmist refers to as the strength that comes from God “according to His word.”
- I will help you!
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1
None of these concepts are mutually exclusive. God is a refuge, a place in which we can hide and take shelter. God is our very strength, motivating and empowering us to live our lives for Him. And God is a very real and present help when trouble comes. Although we do not see a physical hand coming down from the heavens, for the believer, the Spirit living within us is the means by which we know that God is our refuge, strength, and help. It is through His constant pursuit of a relationship with us that we find His true nature and character. And as we spend time with Him, we find the help that is necessary for us not just to survive but thrive in this fallen world.
- I will uphold you!
He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him (Jesus) all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He (Jesus) is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
Colossians 1:15-17
Jesus was present during creation. This is what Paul is describing for us in this passage. Jesus is the image of the invisible God. If we want to know what God is like we need look no further than the Person of Jesus. It was by Christ that all things we created. Jesus was before all things and it is Jesus Himself who holds all things together.
For the believer, we do not look at world events the same way that unbelievers do. God upholds everything and all will be fulfilled in prophecy at just the right time. Nothing will happen that is surprising to God. Nothing will catch Him off guard. And as much as evil men believe that they are manipulating world events, everything is happening on God’s time and according to His purpose. And as for individual Christians, He stands ready to “uphold us with His righteous right hand.”
- Do not fear!
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.
1 John 4:18
As God strengthens, helps, and upholds us, we cannot help but rest in that spiritual reality. Knowing that He is for us and not against us is at the heart of truly knowing God. John reminds us that when we live in the center of the love of God, we live without fear. This is because there is no room for fear in the midst of God’s love. Yes, there are things in this life that may cause us to fear but when it comes to our spiritual standing with God, there should be nothing but confidence (2 Corinthians 3:4-6, Hebrews 4:15-16, Ephesians 3:11-12). When we walk with Jesus, it is His love for us that “casts out fear.” If we spiritually fear, perhaps it is because we have failed to receive God’s complete forgiveness and are still, in some way, holding ourselves under the curse of the Law. But when we know Him and the redemption that comes through Christ, we can know that we have been perfected in love.
- Do not be anxious!
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
Finally, the call is for us to, “be anxious for nothing.” Rather we should pray about everything. This goes back to the idea of spending time with God, conversing about our lives, the good and the bad. When we involved Him in every situation and in every decision-making opportunity, we can stand in full assurance that He will guide us. And His peace, like His strength, will come flooding into our lives and, while undeniable, will be completely unexplainable because it is “beyond comprehension.” Our minds (the way in which we think) and our hearts (our deepest affections) will be guarded by the amazing love, peace, and strength of God.
God is our refuge, strength, and help. He is able to uphold us with His mighty, righteous right hand. And when this happens, all fear and anxiety will be driven away, giving way to a peaceful contentment and exciting existence in fellowship with Jesus Christ!
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