Isaiah 41:1-10 (NRSV)
Read Isaiah 41:1-10 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 41Listen to me in silence, O coastlands; let the peoples renew their strength; let them approach, then let them speak; let us together draw near for judgment. Verse 2Who has roused a victor from the east, summoned him to his service? He delivers up nations to him, and tramples kings under foot; he makes them like dust with his sword, like driven stubble with his bow. Verse 3He pursues them and passes on safely, scarcely touching the path with his feet. Verse 4Who has performed and done this, calling the generations from the beginning? I, the Lord, am first, and will be with the last. Verse 5The coastlands have seen and are afraid, the ends of the earth tremble; they have drawn near and come. Verse 6Each one helps the other, saying to one another, "Take courage!" Verse 7The artisan encourages the goldsmith, and the one who smooths with the hammer encourages the one who strikes the anvil, saying of the soldering, "It is good"; and they fasten it with nails so that it cannot be moved. Verse 8But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, my friend; Verse 9you whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, "You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off";
Verse 10do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
Devotion
The people of God have always longed to know and feel God’s presence among them in times of suffering and despite their fears. When the situations of our lives become overwhelming, it is often hard to recognize God in our midst. But here the prophet proclaims, “Do not fear, for God is with you,” reminding us again that the God of Israel, Jacob and Abraham is our God, and our God is not far away, but is, in fact, God-with-us.
Prayer
God-with-us, when you seem far away, help me to recognize your presence in my life. Amen.