Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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PROMISE OF GOD’S PRESENCE
Isaiah 41:1-14

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. - Isaiah 41:10
The Lord is in control over all that is around us, even some of the events

that seem insignificant.  People and nations might think highly of

themselves and of their own power, but from God’s omniscient and

 omnipotent perspective people are like “grasshoppers” (40:22), nations like a “drop in a bucket” (40:15), Jacob a feeble and despised “worm” and Israel “little” (41:14).  Yet, He calls us to be his partners and promises to strengthen and help us. 

Promise of His presence
The Lord promises His presence to remove Israel’s fear.  In the Old Testament, He sends prophets after prophets to convey his message and the assurance of His help.  But, as people departed away from Him, God persisted in His love for his people and promised to send a Redeemer who would bring them back to Him. The New Testament reveals Jesus to be that Redeemer in flesh and describes what he did on our behalf to make possible a restored and intimate relationship with God.  Jesus promised us the presence of the Holy Spirit who continuously convicts us and brings us back to the Father.  We experience the presence of triune God in history and in our life time.

Promise of His help
God’s help is offered throughout the bible. Since the creation, He is reaching out to his people in time of need.  Even as Adam and Eve fell to sin and were afraid to face their creator, He made garments of skin for them (Gen 3:10, 21). There is an awesomeness and simplicity in the promise of His everlasting help.  It is a humbling feeling to know that God who created everything visible and invisible is still interested in helping me with my fears.  Just as a loving parent reaches out to help his child with any fears he/she may have, the Creator is promising His help.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, help us to get rid of our fears.  Thank you for the promise of your presence and your help through the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Santhosh  George, St. Johns Mar Thoma Church, NY

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