The Grip

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. - Isaiah 41:10

Don't fear. Don't be afraid. Don't panic. God is with you. How do you know? Look at what hand He's using.

In ancient culture, the right hand symbolized strength. God promises to uphold you, to sustain you, to never let you go. His right hand is impenetrable.

Jesus continues this theme in John 10:28 -

I give them eternal life, and they will never perish—ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand.

His listeners would have immediately recognized the analogy. He was referring to a children's game of that time in which one child would place a rock or other small object in his hand. The second child would attempt to snatch or pry it from his hand. Jesus is definitively asserting the complete and total ability to hold onto His own.

God beckons that we respond to this strength with rest. With comfort. With a lack of fear and worry. He will be with you. He will uphold you.

I remember a preacher saying once, "Quit acting like you let God down. You weren't holding Him up anyway." Good advice, that. He's the Sustainer. The upholder. The One with the mighty right hand.

His grip is strong. Trust it.

By His Grace,

Adam