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Tag: Isaiah 41:10

  • A prayer for God's presence and strength in overcoming fear 2026-10-26

    Opening Prayer: Loving God, as we gather in your presence during this Ordinary Time, we reflect on your enduring faithfulness, which echoes through the ages. You are our rock and our refuge, and in you, we find our strength. As we prepare to bring our prayers before you, ground us in your unfailing love and help us to cast aside our fears.

    Intercessions:

    For the Church: We pray for your Church throughout the world, that it may be a beacon of hope and a testament to your steadfast love. Grant to your people wisdom and courage to stand firm in their faith, and to share your message of peace and reconciliation without fear. Inspire leaders and congregations alike to be strengthened and helped by your Spirit, knowing that you uphold them with your righteous right hand. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

    For Creation, Human Society, and Those in Authority: We pray for all leaders and decision-makers in our nation and across the globe. May they be guided by wisdom and justice, and not be dismayed by the complexities of their tasks. Strengthen them to act with integrity, knowing that they are upheld by your righteous hand. We pray for the flourishing of your creation, that we may be wise stewards of this earth, and that all societies may know peace and stability. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

    For Our Local Community: We pray for our parish and our local community. May we, your people, be a source of comfort and strength to one another. Help us to overcome any anxieties or divisions that may hold us back, and to work together in love and service. Strengthen us to be a community where all feel safe, supported, and cherished, knowing that you are with us in all our endeavours. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

    For Those Who Suffer: We hold before you all those who are suffering from fear, anxiety, or despair. We pray for those who are ill, those who grieve, and all who feel overwhelmed by their circumstances. Strengthen them, Lord, and help them through this difficult time. Uphold them with your presence, reminding them that they are not alone, and that you are their God who will never abandon them. We pray especially for [mention specific names or groups if appropriate, or pause for silent reflection]. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

    For the Departed: We give thanks for the lives of those who have gone before us, and who now rest in your eternal peace. We trust them to your loving care, knowing that in your presence there is no fear or dismay, only everlasting joy. May we find strength in their memory and be inspired by their faithfulness to live our lives in your service. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

    Closing Prayer: Loving Father, we bring these prayers before you, trusting in your promises. Strengthen us always, and help us to live without fear, knowing that you are our God, with us in all our days. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

    Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

  • Do Not Fear: The Divine Promise of Presence and Unfailing Strength

    Life often presents us with moments that stir anxiety and challenge our resolve. The unknown looms, difficulties arise, and we can feel utterly inadequate to face them. In these times, where do we turn for reassurance and steadfast support? The ancient words of the prophet Isaiah offer a powerful and enduring message of hope, assuring us that we are never alone.

    God Is With You, Always

    The core of Isaiah’s message is a direct antidote to fear and dismay: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.” (Isaiah 41:10, NIV). This is not a conditional promise, nor is it dependent on our feelings or circumstances. It is a declaration of God’s unwavering presence. In a world where relationships can be fickle and support can falter, this divine assurance is paramount. God’s presence means He is not distant or indifferent; He is actively involved, a constant companion through every season of life. This presence is the bedrock upon which all other promises are built.

    Infused with Divine Strength

    Beyond mere presence, God promises to empower us. “I will strengthen you and help you” (Isaiah 41:10, NIV) reveals God’s active role in equipping us for the challenges we face. The Hebrew word for ‘strengthen’ speaks of imparting vitality, resilience, and fortitude. This isn’t about finding strength within ourselves, which is often finite, but about receiving divine power that surpasses our limitations. This is His strength, made available to us, particularly when we recognise our own weakness. The promise of help signifies active support and deliverance, assuring us that we will not face trials in isolation but with divine assistance.

    Upholding Us with Righteousness

    The prophet further assures us that we will be sustained by the very power and character of God: “I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10, NIV). In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the right hand symbolised authority, power, and victory. For God’s righteous right hand to uphold us means that His omnipotence is exercised in perfect justice and moral integrity. This is a secure hold, a steadfast support that prevents us from falling into ultimate despair. It is a promise that God’s actions are always consistent with His character, offering both protection and a demonstration of His supreme authority over any situation.

    Responding to Fear with Faith

    When anxiety arises, and the weight of the world feels too heavy, the truth of Isaiah 41:10 calls us to a conscious shift. Instead of focusing on the overwhelming nature of our fears, we are invited to focus on the overwhelming power and presence of our God. This ancient promise is not merely a historical record; it is a living assurance for today. As we embrace His presence, we can draw upon His strength, trust in His help, and be secured by His righteous hand.

    What specific fears are dimming your vision of God’s presence and strength today? How might actively recalling His promise to strengthen and uphold you change your perspective and response?

  • Daily Devotional Insights: God's Promise of Presence and Strength

    Daily Devotional & Prayer Guide

    Isaiah 41:10 – God’s Promise of Presence and Strength

    "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."

    God’s Presence, Unfailing Strength

    Theological Themes

    Divine Presence, God’s Strength, Overcoming Fear, Righteousness

    Centring Prayer

    God is with me, and He strengthens me.

    Short Prayer

    Heavenly Father, thank You for Your constant presence with me, even when I cannot feel it. I confess my tendency to fear and be dismayed by the challenges I face. Please strengthen me with Your mighty power and help me to stand firm in Your truth. Uphold me with Your righteous right hand, Lord, and remind me that I am never alone. Grant me the courage to trust Your promises, knowing You are with me always. Amen.

    Concise Commentary

    In moments of uncertainty and anxiety, this verse from Isaiah serves as a powerful reminder that we are never alone. God’s presence is a constant assurance amidst life’s challenges. He actively intervenes, offering His strength and steadfast support through His righteous hand. This isn’t just a promise for a distant future; it’s a present reality for believers today. When fear tries to grip our hearts, we can recall that our Almighty God is with us, ready to empower and uphold us, transforming our vulnerability into His victory within us. His strength becomes our strength.

    Reflection

    When fear whispers doubts and challenges my resolve, I recall these words. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by life’s pressures, to feel small and incapable. Yet, the divine promise is clear: ‘I am with you.’ This isn’t a passive presence but an active, strengthening, and upholding one. It reassures me that my struggles are seen, my anxieties are heard, and my God is actively engaged in my life. I am reminded that my strength does not come from myself, but from the One who holds me securely. What specific fears are currently dimming my vision of God’s presence and strength? How can I lean into His promises today, rather than succumbing to worry?

    Affirmation

    Because God is with me, I do not fear; His strength is my sufficiency, and His hand upholds me.

    Action Step

    Today, when a feeling of fear or anxiety arises, take a moment to pause, breathe deeply, and mentally recite ‘God is with me,’ ‘He will strengthen me,’ and ‘He will uphold me.’

    Journaling Prompt

    Reflect on a specific situation where you recently felt fearful or dismayed. How could embracing the truth of God’s presence and strength have altered your response?

    Daily Office of Prayer

    Morning Prayer

    Gracious God, as I begin this new day, I am reminded of Your unwavering promise: ‘So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.’ Thank You for Your constant presence, a beacon of hope in any uncertainty. I confess that my heart can easily be filled with apprehension about the day ahead—the tasks, the challenges, the unknown. But Your Word calls me to trust, not to fear. Please, Father, imbue me with Your divine strength today. Help me to remember that Your power is made perfect in my weakness. Grant me Your assistance in every endeavour, that I might reflect Your glory in all I do. Uphold me with Your righteous right hand, assuring me of Your mighty protection and guiding presence. May this truth anchor my soul and empower my steps, enabling me to live this day with courage and faith, knowing I am never alone and always supported by You, my God. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

    Midday Prayer

    Lord Jesus, at this midpoint of the day, the demands and distractions can easily wear me down and invite worry. I recall Isaiah’s powerful assurance: ‘I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’ Remind me, Lord, of Your ever-present help in times of trouble. When I feel my own strength waning, infuse me with Your Spirit’s power. Let Your loving hand guide my decisions and sustain my efforts. Help me to resist the temptation to be dismayed by setbacks or the weight of my responsibilities. May I fix my eyes on You, the author and finisher of my faith, knowing that Your righteous hand is not only powerful but also just and loving. May I experience Your strengthening presence in my work, my conversations, and my inner thoughts, allowing Your peace to permeate my being. Help me to be a vessel of Your strength and grace to others, reflecting Your kingdom’s values. Amen.

    Evening Prayer

    Almighty God, as this day draws to a close, I bring before You all that it has held. Thank You for Your steadfast presence that has surrounded me, even in moments I did not recognise. Thank You for the strength You have granted me to navigate challenges and for the help You provided, often in ways I may not have fully perceived. I am grateful for the assurance that Your righteous right hand has upheld me, securing me in Your love. Forgive me, Lord, for the times I have succumbed to fear or allowed myself to be dismayed instead of trusting in Your promises. I thank You for Your faithfulness, which never falters. As I rest now, I commit myself to Your care, knowing that You are my constant protector and sustainer. Grant me peaceful sleep, renewed strength for the days ahead, and a heart ever more devoted to You. May Your presence be my comfort and Your strength my assurance. In Your holy name, I pray. Amen.

    Deep Dive Study

    Expanded Commentary

    The prophet Isaiah, writing during a tumultuous period of Israel’s history, likely facing the threat of Assyrian or Babylonian exile, delivers a message of profound hope and divine reassurance. The context of Isaiah 41 is God’s indictment of idols and His assertion of His unique power and sovereignty over history and nations. He calls His people to listen, to draw near, and to remember His faithfulness. The verse, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God," is a direct response to the anxieties that would have gripped the people. The imperative ‘do not fear’ is not a mere suggestion but a divine command rooted in the reality of God’s active presence. The phrase ‘I am with you’ is one of the most powerful declarations in Scripture, echoing God’s presence with Abraham, Moses, and the entire nation of Israel. It signifies not just proximity but also protection, intervention, and covenantal faithfulness. To be dismayed means to be thrown into confusion or distress. God reassures them that He, their God, is not a source of dismay but a source of steadfastness. This is the foundation upon which all subsequent promises are built: God Himself is present with His people.

    The subsequent promises, "I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand," are the practical outworking of God’s presence. ‘Strengthen’ (chazaq in Hebrew) implies imparting power, resilience, and endurance. It suggests that God will infuse His people with the vitality and fortitude needed to face their trials. ‘Help’ (azar) signifies active assistance, support, and deliverance. God does not merely promise to be present; He promises to be actively involved in aiding His people. The imagery of ‘upholding’ with His ‘righteous right hand’ is particularly potent. The right hand in ancient Near Eastern cultures symbolised power, authority, and victory. God’s ‘righteous’ right hand signifies that His power is exercised in accordance with His perfect justice and moral character. It is a hand that defends, sustains, and secures. This assurance is not based on the people’s merit but on God’s inherent nature and His covenant commitment. It’s a promise that as they face their fears and challenges, they will be held securely by the very power and justice of God.

    In contemporary life, the anxieties of the 21st century often mirror those of ancient Israel. We face economic instability, relational brokenness, health concerns, and existential questions that can lead to fear and dismay. This verse remains a powerful antidote. The promise of God’s presence means that no trial is faced alone. His promised strength is available through the Holy Spirit, empowering us to persevere, to act with courage, and to overcome the limitations of our own abilities. His help is seen in answered prayers, in the wisdom granted through Scripture, in the encouragement of fellow believers, and in His divine interventions, both big and small. The ‘upholding’ by His righteous right hand assures us that God’s power is sovereign and His actions are always just. Even when circumstances seem overwhelming, His grip on us is secure, preventing us from falling into ultimate despair. This verse calls us to shift our focus from the overwhelming nature of our fears to the overwhelming power and presence of our God. It invites us to actively embrace His promises, trusting that He who declared ‘I am with you’ will also ‘strengthen, help, and uphold’ us.

    Related Verses

    • Isaiah 41:13: ‘For I the Lord your God will hold your right hand; I will say to you, “Fear not, I will help you.”’
    • Isaiah 43:2: ‘When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.’
    • Psalm 23:4: ‘Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.’
    • Joshua 1:9: ‘Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’
    • Matthew 28:20: ‘and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’
    • 2 Corinthians 12:9: ‘But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.’

  • When Worries Threaten to Overwhelm: Casting Your Cares on God

    Life often feels like navigating a stormy sea, doesn’t it? Worries about finances, relationships, health, and the future can crash over us like relentless waves. We try our best to keep our heads above water, to manage our anxieties, but sometimes, we feel utterly swamped. In these moments, the invitation to cast our burdens upon the Lord is not just a suggestion; it’s a lifeline.

    Your Worries Are Not Too Heavy for God

    It’s easy to think we need to handle everything ourselves. We might pride ourselves on our resilience or worry that admitting our struggles is a sign of weakness. But the truth is, we are not meant to carry the weight of the world alone. The Bible offers a powerful antidote to our anxieties: "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7 NIV). This isn’t a fleeting thought, but a profound assurance. God’s care for us is not a passive concern; it is an active, sustaining love, a divine strength that promises to uphold us.

    The Act of Trusting Surrender

    The original Hebrew for "cast" in Psalm 55:22 (which 1 Peter echoes) carries a sense of ‘sending away’ or ‘launching.’ It’s a deliberate, intentional act of releasing what weighs us down. It’s like handing a heavy load to someone stronger and more capable. This surrender requires faith, a belief that God is not only able but willing to take on our worries. It means trusting that His perspective is broader than our own, and that His plans for us are good, even when circumstances feel bleak.

    Rooted in God’s Unwavering Love

    The reason we can cast our anxieties is simple yet profound: He cares. This care is foundational to the Christian faith. It’s woven through Scripture, from God’s covenant faithfulness to His provision for His people. The word ‘cares’ can also imply bearing up, upholding, or sustaining. This points to a divine power that undergirds our weakness and a love that counteracts our fear. When we release our anxieties to God, we are entrusting them to a loving Father who actively sustains us. As it is written, "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 NIV).

    Sustained, Not Unscathed

    The promise is not necessarily a life free from difficult circumstances, but rather a God who walks with us through them, ensuring we are not overthrown. "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake" (Psalm 23:1-3 NIV). Even when facing challenges, our ultimate security is in Him. This divine steadfastness isn’t inherent in us, but in our relationship with God. It’s a resilience that He imparts to those who trust in Him.

    Living with Less Fear, More Faith

    Understanding that God’s sustaining power is actively at work for us can transform our daily lives. It shifts our focus from frantic striving to resting in His presence. This active surrender can take many forms: dedicated prayer, confessing our fears to a trusted friend or spiritual mentor, meditating on God’s promises, or simply taking quiet moments throughout the day to hand over our worries. It’s about choosing to believe that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

    Practical Steps to Casting Your Cares

    Today, identify one specific worry that is weighing on your mind. Take a moment to consciously pray, ‘Lord, I cast this anxiety on You because You care for me.’ Then, offer a prayer of thanks for His sustaining power. Consider journaling about the anxieties you are holding onto and brainstorm one practical way you can ‘cast’ them onto God today.

    How might your perspective change if you truly believed that God’s sustaining power was actively at work for you in every moment?

  • Daily Devotional Insights: The Messenger of Good News

    Daily Devotional & Prayer Guide

    Isaiah 52:7 – The Messenger of Good News

    "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings happy tidings, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”"

    Beautiful Messengers of Reigning God

    Theological Themes

    Salvation, Peace, God’s Sovereignty, Evangelism, Hope

    Centring Prayer

    Your God reigns; I bring Your good news.

    Short Prayer

    Lord, thank You for the messenger who first brought the good news of Your salvation to me. Today, I pray that my feet may be beautiful upon the mountains of my everyday life. Help me to share the peace and hope that comes from knowing You reign. May my words and actions proclaim that You are sovereign, even in the midst of troubles. Equip me to be a bearer of Your good news, bringing joy and salvation to those I encounter. Amen.

    Concise Commentary

    Imagine the sheer beauty of someone arriving after a long, arduous journey, bringing news that changes everything. This verse paints that picture – the messenger’s feet are beautiful because they carry tidings of peace, salvation, and the powerful truth that our God reigns. In our own lives, we can be that messenger. When we share the good news of God’s love and help, we bring that same beauty and hope to others. Even in our moments of struggle, knowing that God is in control offers an unshakeable foundation. This message is for us today: do not fear, for God is with you, and His reign promises ultimate victory and peace.

    Reflection

    The image of beautiful feet on the mountains is striking – it suggests that even the weariness of a long journey can be made beautiful by the message it carries. It reminds me that my own efforts, however small or imperfect, become beautiful when they serve to share God’s good news. I wonder, what constitutes ‘good news’ in my own life today? How can my actions and words reflect the peace and reign of God in a world that desperately needs it? Does my life reflect the joy of knowing that ‘Your God reigns!’ even when circumstances are difficult?

    Affirmation

    My God reigns, and I am His messenger, bringing beauty and hope to the world through His good news.

    Action Step

    This week, identify one person you can share a specific piece of ‘good news’ with – whether it’s a scripture, a prayer of encouragement, or simply a hopeful word about God’s faithfulness.

    Journaling Prompt

    Consider a time when you received truly good news that changed your perspective or your circumstances. How did that feel, and how can you offer that same sense of relief and hope to someone else today?

    Daily Office of Prayer

    Morning Prayer

    Almighty God, Father of lights, I thank you for the gift of this new day, a testament to Your enduring faithfulness. As I rise, I am reminded of the beautiful feet of the messenger bringing good news to Zion, proclaiming peace and salvation, and declaring, ‘Your God reigns!’ Lord, I pray that my own feet may be beautiful today, carrying me to places where Your message of hope is needed. May my steps be guided by Your Spirit, my words seasoned with grace, and my actions a reflection of Your love. Help me to see the ‘mountains’ of my daily life – the challenges, the interactions, the opportunities – not as obstacles, but as pathways to proclaim Your sovereignty and Your peace. I commit this day into Your hands, trusting in Your reign and seeking to be a faithful messenger of Your glorious Gospel. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

    Midday Prayer

    Gracious God, as I pause in the midst of this day, I turn my thoughts back to the powerful truth that ‘Your God reigns!’ In moments of busyness, stress, or doubt, this declaration anchors my soul. Remind me, Lord, that Your reign is not limited by human circumstances or my own limitations. You are sovereign over all. Help me to be a faithful messenger of this truth, not just in grand pronouncements, but in quiet acts of kindness, patience, and understanding. May my presence bring a measure of Your peace and hope to those around me. Strengthen me, help me, and uphold me with Your righteous right hand, as You promised Your people. May my weariness be transformed into beauty as I serve You today. In Christ’s name, I ask. Amen.

    Evening Prayer

    Heavenly Father, as the day draws to a close, I reflect on the profound message of Isaiah 52:7: ‘Your God reigns!’ Thank you for Your unwavering sovereignty, for Your constant presence, and for the good news of salvation that You have so freely given. I thank you for the moments today where I might have been a vessel for Your peace and Your hope, where my ‘feet’ carried a blessing. Forgive me for the times I fell short, for the opportunities I missed to share Your light. As I rest, I commit myself to Your loving care. May Your reign be increasingly evident in my life, bringing order to my thoughts, peace to my heart, and purpose to my actions. Thank you for Your unending grace, and for the promise that Your reign will ultimately bring all things to perfection. All glory and honour to You, my reigning King. Amen.

    Deep Dive Study

    Expanded Commentary

    The prophet Isaiah, writing in a time of exile and despair for the people of Israel, offers a vision of profound hope and restoration. This verse, Isaiah 52:7, is not merely poetic language; it is a declaration of divine intervention and the beauty of God’s redemptive work. The imagery of ‘beautiful upon the mountains’ speaks to the arduous journey taken by messengers in ancient times. Such journeys were often fraught with peril, making the arrival of a messenger, especially one bearing good news, a cause for immense celebration. The messenger’s feet, weary and perhaps bruised from the terrain, are described as beautiful because they represent the overcoming of distance and difficulty to bring tidings that transform the people’s reality.

    This messenger proclaims ‘peace,’ a Hebrew word ‘shalom,’ which encompasses far more than the absence of conflict. It signifies wholeness, well-being, prosperity, and right relationships – a complete flourishing in every aspect of life. Following this, the messenger brings ‘happy tidings’ or ‘good news’ (‘good news’ is used for ‘besorah’ in Hebrew, the same root from which the word ‘Gospel’ is derived). This is not just any good news; it is the news of salvation. The ultimate message is the powerful declaration to Zion, the heart of God’s people, “Your God reigns!” This statement is a bold assertion of divine sovereignty, especially potent in a context where God’s people might have felt abandoned or powerless. It declares that, despite appearances and present suffering, God is sovereign, in control, and actively working for His people’s redemption. The message anticipates a future restoration and a renewed covenant relationship, pointing forward to the ultimate fulfilment found in Jesus Christ.

    The theological significance of this verse extends deeply into Christian understanding. When we read of a messenger bringing good news, we cannot help but think of the apostles and all who have faithfully proclaimed the Gospel throughout history. The New Testament itself picks up this theme, particularly in Romans 10:15, where Paul quotes Isaiah 52:7: ‘How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?… As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”’ This clearly identifies the messenger with those who preach the Gospel, bringing the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.

    The ‘good news’ is the Gospel, the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, which brings reconciliation with God, peace (shalom), and the assurance that God’s reign is not a distant hope but a present reality through Christ. The phrase ‘Your God reigns!’ is a direct affirmation of Christ’s lordship. Jesus’ own ministry was characterised by proclaiming that the ‘kingdom of God is near’ (Mark 1:15). His miracles, teachings, and ultimately His victory over sin and death demonstrate that God’s reign is indeed powerfully at work. The beautiful feet belong to those who carry this message of Christ’s reign, enabling people to turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God (Acts 26:18).

    Applying this to our modern lives, the call to be a messenger of good news is as relevant as ever. We may not physically journey over mountains, but we daily navigate the landscapes of our communities, workplaces, and homes, encountering people who may be burdened by fear, anxiety, and a sense of hopelessness. Our own ‘feet’ can be beautiful when they carry the message of God’s love, His provision, and His ultimate sovereignty. This doesn’t always mean a formal evangelistic sermon; it can be an act of kindness, a word of encouragement, a patient listening ear, or simply living a life that reflects the peace and hope found in Christ.

    The promise, "Your God reigns!" offers profound comfort. In a world often marked by chaos, injustice, and personal trials, this truth anchors our faith. It means that no circumstance is beyond God’s ultimate control. He is working out His purposes, even in our darkest hours. When we feel overwhelmed by fear, as suggested in the related verse from Isaiah 41:10 (‘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.’), we can recall that the One who reigns is also our personal God, who promises to help and uphold us. Therefore, let us embrace the role of messengers, letting our lives and words reflect the beauty of the Gospel and the sure reign of our loving God.

    Related Verses

    • Isaiah 41:10: "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."
    • Romans 10:15: "And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’"
    • Mark 1:15: "‘The time has come,’ he said. ‘The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!’"
    • Isaiah 52:9: "Break forth into joy, sing together, you waste places of Jerusalem: for the Lord has redeemed his people, he has comforted Jerusalem."
    • Luke 10:1: "After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go."
    • Acts 13:47: "For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’"
  • Pray, always

    Pray, always

    Amid everything, I tried to take a break, but after five months of non-stop activity, I found it a little challenging to recharge my batteries.  By the time I was ready to recuperate, it was time to start work again; I no longer feel like I had a break.  We face this challenge daily, the long hard slog through the day and not enough time at home to relax because there are so many more demands on our time than work.  Finding a decent work-life balance in this new COVID world will be one of the many challenges we have to face. I think the most challenging thing for me was psychological in that where I work now is my home so switching off is troublesome.  On top of that, the nation is going barmy, and people are starting to have a go at the littlest things and our neighbours, who might have been happy to let things be, start baring teeth because they are unhappy with the way things are.  Times are troublesome, challenging and for some people difficult to manage, and for some so challenging to face that they turn in directions that lead them astray from who they are.

    We have a phone tree in church, I see some of it personally, and I get to listen to others who are experiencing all sorts of issues with varying degrees of success and failure. One of our solutions was to expand the weekly prayer group, so a group of us now pray morning and evening prayer (I’m on the rota for early Friday eves) – I find this helps.  I have my own separate private prayer time, my continuous conversations with God and Jesus. Still, with the only congregational worship presently restricted to looking at a monitor and the nature of future worship looking so different, I find the fifteen to thirty minutes of structured prayer on a Friday and praying around the prayer lists, and parish needs, comforting.

    You can join in live online via Facebook, YouTube, Zoom and many more for most things these days.  While we, as congregations, are dispersed, we, as a church, can still meet.  The building itself is only there to facilitate togetherness – it is not the source or focus of our worship or prayer.  It reminds me of the early church, of the apostles moving from one place to another, in Acts, creating and facilitating new churches, new congregations, new followers of Jesus.  It reminds me of the early church in Rome, struggling to meet for fear of persecution, in homes, in isolated, hidden or empty places.  I feel a deeper connection to those Christians who have trodden our path before us as a result. My faith may even be a little deeper, all I know is I haven’t strayed because we as Christians need to be a light in this hour of darkness for those who are struggling, and for each other.  Even those beside us who look as if they’re doing OK will have issues they’re fighting with so being there, giving things in prayer, is essential.

    When I pray, I let go of things, I release it all into God’s hands, and I empty myself before Him.  I know I shouldn’t have to worry …

    So do not fear, for I am with you;
    Isaiah 41:10

    … of course, I’m human, so I do, but I shouldn’t …

    For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do,
    Romans 7:15-24

    … ad infinitum in our human frailness.

    But the one thing I do is pray, or talk, or look to Jesus and sigh it out.  One thing I never am is angry with God or Jesus, and I try to limit it with everyone else because our anger does not come from God; it comes from within us, and it is not an easy thing to live with or for people to control.  How are we expected to forgive if we are angry? We cannot have peace within if we allow rage to reside in our hearts and minds, or enable it to dictate how we behave.  It is something we believe we can control, but ultimately we can’t so we have to lean on God for help, for without God, without Jesus, we are unable to fulfil our purpose upon this Earth.

    The Vine and the Branches
    ….5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
    9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other.

    John 15:1-17

    God bless us and keep us safe.