Daily Strength - When feeling dismayed

‘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 vs 10)

We have all had that experience of seeing somebody out and about, or chatting to someone on the phone and they ask ‘How are you?’ In our culture this almost more of a greeting than a searching question, and often we answer accordingly; ‘I’m ok, how are you?’

The words we are reading today from Isaiah ask a question of each one of us; ‘How are you ... no really ... how are you?’ There are moments when, if we are honest, we are not ok. The Bible acknowledges this and it acknowledges it as a reality in the life of faith.

These verses speak gently but compellingly into the heart of a Christian person who is feeling ‘dismayed’. But these words are more than an encouragement to brighten up, these are strong words, to not fear, and to not be dismayed, words rooted in the character of the God who is with us.

However you are really feeling today the Lord Jesus, who is ‘God with us’ stands beside you to strengthen you, to help you and to uphold you with His all powerful hand. Be encouraged.

Prayer: Lord Jesus thank You that I don’t have to pretend with You. You know my heart. Uphold me today I pray and in the days that are ahead. In Your Name Amen.