Isaiah 41 - Challenge and Encouragement

LINK: Isaiah 41

BACKGROUND 

As you read Isaiah 41-44, notice all the times the Lord says, "Do not fear" and similar phrases. This chapter alone says it three times. Also, from this chapter to the end of the book of Isaiah, notice every time you come across "I have chosen" and similar phrases. 

The Lord puts out a challenge to all the nations because He is greater than all of them combined (40:12-17). "Islands" are referred to 15 times in the Old Testament, and 14 of those times are in Isaiah! Islands and nations together mean the very ends of the earth. The Lord wanted them all to hear in silence (Zechariah 2:13). The one who would be "stirred up from the east" (41:2) was Cyrus II of Persia (44:28) who conquered Babylon in 539 B.C. and gave a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem. He is called "righteous" simply because he fulfilled God's righteous purpose in restoring the Jews (41:2). He is described as a potter treading on clay (41:25), shepherd (44:28), God's anointed (45:1), and bird of prey (46:11). Isaiah called Cyrus by name a century before he was born (44:28)!

While this chapter is a challenge to the pagan nations, it is an encouragement to His chosen people to not fear (remember chosen and fear are key words). The world around them may be in utter chaos, but they could rely on their God. He was with them and would help them, but the idols would not help them nor predict future events like He could (41:23).

REFLECTION

Do not fear, for I am with you;

Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,

Surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

This is another verse in the Topical Memory System under the "Rely on God's Resources" section. I cannot even count the number of times I have been so glad I have hidden this verse in my heart. God was trying to tell His chosen people not to look at the intimidating nations around them but to look at Him. I want to do this in every difficult, fearful circumstance, and I trust that you do too! 

APPLICATION/PRAYER

Slowly, meditatively pray through this verse telling God what you fear, where you are looking anxiously about you. Worship Him as your God. Thank Him too. 

An extension of the suggestion above is trying Immanuel Journaling:

Immanuel Journaling (IJ) is a writing exercise or practice that helps us to explore our life events, especially our interior life including our thoughts, feelings, and body sensations with our good God, Immanuel. It is a simple process to help you become aware of God’s compassionate presence in the painful as well as mundane moments of your life.

Slowing down enough to pause, give thanks (if you are able), and then follow an elegant process of sensing God’s response has been transformative to people across the nation and the world. People continue to share stories of peace and transformation as well as reconciling relationships.  Give it a try and see how God’s presence can change your life today.(https://www.presenceandpractice.com/immanuel-journaling)

This is a way for you to connect with God in any situation you are in. We may know God with our heads, but are we attached to Him in our hearts? This type of journaling facilitates heart attachment to the God who really is with us! 

The journaling has two steps, "Interactive Gratitude" and "Thought Rhyming." This helps you to align with God's heart. The last step is to read your journaling to someone else. Brain science research shows that this is all really important!

I have benefited and the people I do spiritual direction with have also really benefitted! I heartily recommend it. If you click on the link, there is a PDF that will give you are worksheet to get you started journaling!