Upheld in Righteousness

You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth and called from its remotest parts, and said to you, ‘You are My servant, I have chosen you and have not rejected you. 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 41:9-10

Notes

9 You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth
And called from its remotest parts,
And said to you, ‘You are My servant,
I have chosen you and have not rejected you.

We are part of an old covenant, one that was spoken to Abraham all those years ago. God could have chosen the mighty Babylonians, the ancient Egyptians, or the great Medes, but he chose a small nation. God’s people would be the example of serving rather than strength, for God will our strength.

But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth.
2 Timothy 4:17

The old covenant became new in the life of Jesus Christ and through him, all believers are called to become servants. Accepting the lowly role of servitude, sacrificing pride, power, and status, brings us closer to the powerful God who cares for us and knows how our sinful nature will never be satisfied, but in Him, lessening ourselves we catch a glimpse of the beauty of heaven on earth.

God’s people were chosen, not forced upon Him. We can be assured of his presence, more than that, we can count on a sustaining relationship with a powerful and almighty God. He will not leave us nor cast us aside because we have been chosen.

10 Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not be afraid, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, I will also help you,
I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Fear is a natural response, a defense mechanism that pushes us more into survival mode rather than into a space of confidence. But we were never meant to be fully capable of what God can accomplish. When we reach our fullest extent He has promised to be there alongside us, bringing us through the difficult times. If we could accomplish our entire life objective and extensive purpose solely on our own, when would we need God?

And the Lord is the one who is going ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not desert you or abandon you. Do not fear and do not be dismayed.
Deuteronomy 31:8

When pressed into what seems like a corner, or overwhelmed by a seemingly mightier adversary, He does not simply change the circumstances, He transforms situations so that those who tried to hurt us or intimidate us walk away stunned and ashamed. We do not need to be strong for God will be strong for us. We do not need to know that course for God has already paved the way and will light the path. We are not alone for our God is always aware and always present.