God’s Help

10 Fear not, for I (God) am with you. Do not be dismayed (afraid, depressed, or anxious). I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with My victorious right hand. . . . 13 I am holding you by your right hand — I, the Lord your God — and I say to you, do not be afraid; I am here to help you. 14 Despised though you are, fear not, O Israel; for I will help you. I am the Lord, your Redeemer; I am the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 41:10, 13-14 (The Living Bible)

"Fear not!" God is with us and we do not have to fear (Isaiah 41:10, 13-14; see also Isaiah 43:1, 5; Isaiah 44:2, 8). God promised to be with Israel. Even more, God also promises to be with us today to give us His strength, protection, help, and victory over sin and death. We should never place our trust in anything — money, career, family, or even military power — other than the true and living God of Israel. No nation can defeat the eternal and true God of Israel. Only God can save us! 

The ancient Israelites learned God is mighty to save them (Zephaniah 3:17). As the ancient Israelites faced the challenge of the long journey from Babylon (modern day Iraq) to the Promised Land, God assured the people He was with them and would give them success. God knew the glorious future plans for His people and He had everything under control. So, Israel did not need to worry. God would go before Israel and be with Israel working on their behalf. 

In fact, God purposely rose up Cyrus of Persia (559 – 530 BC) to defeat Babylon for the sake of His people Israel. Cyrus defeated Babylon in 539 BC. God chose Cyrus to carry out His righteous purposes to help and deliver Israel (Isaiah 44:28; Isaiah 45:1, 4-5). Amazingly, the prophet Isaiah called Cyrus by name over a century before he was born (Isaiah 44:28). Babylon had previously been a world power and devastated Jerusalem, including the Temple, in 586 BC. By God’s help, Cyrus issued a decree to allow the Israelites to return to their land to rebuild Jerusalem and the God’s Temple (Ezra 1:1-4; Ezra 6:3-5; see also Proverbs 21:1). 

Today, we can also trust God and fear not as we contemplate our situation and face an unknown future. God promises to “help you” (Isaiah 41:10, 13- 14). God keeps all His promises! God is with us no matter the circumstances, and He strengthens us no matter the assignment (Isaiah 41:10). Only God holds us as He helps us (Isaiah 41:13–14). God is the Master and Creator of the universe (Isaiah 45:12, 18), and He has not rejected Israel and not rejected you! 

So, do not be afraid or anxious for God is with you (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23). God will strengthen, uphold, and help you by His righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10). God is our true Savior, Protector and Redeemer! God cares for you personally. When you feel your strength is gone, remember to call upon God for help. You can always trust God to help you.

28 Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of His understanding. 29 He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. 30 Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. 31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:28-31 (NLT)

References:
Life Application Study Bible. Carol Streams, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005.
New Student Bible. New York: Zondervan,1992.
NLT Study Bible. Carol Streams, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2008.
Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary. Victor Books, 1989.
Wiersbe, Warren. With the Word Bible Commentary. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1991.
Woman’s Study Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1995.
Zondervan NIV Study Bible. New York: Zondervan, 2008.