Isaiah 41:13 (KJV)

What does this mean?

Isaiah is bringing God's comfort to Israel in exile, a people who feel small, afraid, and far from home. God says he will take hold of their right hand — the hand they work with, the hand they would raise to defend themselves — and tell them not to be afraid, because he himself will help them. The picture is of a parent holding a child's hand on a frightening road.

What does this teach us?

God's help is close and personal, not distant. He does not only send help from far away, he takes your hand and walks with you, and his first word to a frightened heart is not a command to be brave, but a promise that he is with you.

How can we apply this?

When fear grips you, picture God taking your hand instead of picturing yourself alone. Tell him plainly what frightens you, hold on to the promise that he will help you, and take the next step with his hand in yours.

Related KJV passages

• “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.”

  Isaiah 41:10

• “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD : and he delighteth in his way.”

  Psalm 37:23

• “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”

  Deuteronomy 31:6