“But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend, I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. 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 41:8-10).
I’ve always appreciated that God had his prophet Isaiah record these words (and the rest of his book) over two centuries before the Israelites were taken into captivity, living as exiles in a foreign land.
God knew that from an outward perspective, to those living in captivity, it would seem like he had finally abandoned the Israelites, his chosen people, and rejected them because of their sins as they deserved. God knew that his children would need to hear their loving God and Father’s reassurances.
No, he had not abandoned them. No, he had not rejected them. Even in exile in a foreign land, he was still with them. He was still their God. He would forgive their sins and remember their wickedness no more. He would bring them back home and fulfill all of his promises to them.
Outward perspectives can be deceiving. What we see—as well as what we don’t see—doesn’t necessarily match what is true. The Israelites living in exile certainly could have looked at their circumstances and concluded that God had abandoned them. They didn’t see his hand in what they were experiencing in Babylon. They didn’t see what he was doing in their lives, despite their seemingly hopeless situation.
We can do the same, can’t we?
When you and I experience hardships, troubles, adversities, and overwhelming difficulties in life, from an outward perspective, it might seem that God has abandoned us. It can be hard to see his ever-present hand and loving presence in our lives. It can be hard to see what he is doing in our lives and what we experience.
In those dark moments, dear Christian, listen to these words—written down for Israelites who would live long after the prophecies were first spoken. God knew his people would need to hear them. These words from the prophet Isaiah are for you and me, because we need them too. God knew that we needed them from long ages past, before we were even born.
God has chosen us, spiritual descendants of Abraham, not by blood but by faith in the promised Savior. He has gathered us, his children, from the ends of the earth, calling us from the farthest corners by the power of the Holy Spirit in his Word. He has chosen us and not rejected us. He is with us; we don’t need to be afraid. He is our God; we don’t need to be dismayed. Throughout our whole lives here in this sin-darkened world, he will strengthen us and help us. And he will uphold us with his righteous right hand.
None of that is because of anything we have or haven’t done. It’s entirely because of Jesus and what he has done for us with his perfect life, innocent death, and triumphant resurrection from the grave. Throughout life, we hold to him and his Word. By faith, we know that he is surely with us always.
Throughout the pages of Scripture, God assures you that he cares for you—supporting, providing, protecting, directing, and governing everything that happens. Take a closer look at how he does just that in God’s Providence: He Cares for You.
Did you enjoy this post? Subscribe for free devotional content every week!
Alex Brown is the marketing and content copywriter at Northwestern Publishing House. He has his Master of Divinity degree from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary and enjoys reading, writing, and spending time in God’s creation.
Leave a Reply