Jesus: Friends, gather around. Today, let’s reflect on a verse from the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah 41:10 reads: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
John: Master, what does this verse mean for us?
Jesus: John, this verse is a beautiful promise from God to His people. It speaks of God’s assurance, comfort, and support. “Fear thou not” tells us not to be afraid because God is always with us.
Peter: But, Lord, it is often hard not to fear, especially in troubling times. How can we truly not be afraid?
Jesus: Peter, your honesty is refreshing. The key is to trust in God’s presence and His power. When God says, “I am with thee,” it means He is always present with us. Our faith in this promise can help us overcome our fears.
Andrew: It also says, “I will strengthen thee.” Does this mean God will give us the strength we need?
Jesus: Precisely, Andrew. God not only promises to be with us but also to give us the strength we need. When we are weak or overwhelmed, God provides the strength to endure and persevere.
Thomas: And what about “uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness”? This seems very specific.
Jesus: Thomas, this is a powerful image. The right hand symbolizes power and authority. In saying this, God is assuring us that He will support and sustain us with His righteous power. It’s not about our strength or righteousness, but His.
Bartholomew: So, in this verse, God is offering us reassurance, strength, and His righteous support. It is truly comforting.
Jesus: Exactly, Bartholomew. This verse encourages us to place our trust in God, to not be overwhelmed by fear, and to remember that God’s strength and righteousness are with us, especially in times of need.
