You whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, “You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off”; fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. Isaiah 41: 9-10
It is tempting to think that our significance is determined by what we’ve achieved, where we’ve been, or where we are going in this life. Yet each of these is irrelevant when considering our lasting significance, which is grounded only in our relationship with God. This relationship is not based upon our wishful thinking or elevated opinions of ourselves. No, it’s based on the surety of these words: “I have chosen you and not cast you off.”
Have we not given God grounds to reject us? If God’s covenant with us and acceptance of us were based upon our daily performance, then none of us would remain in relationship with Him for more than 24 hours. But the wonder of His covenant with us is that it is founded upon His choice. He has chosen us, He has called us from the farthest corners of the world, and He will not cast us off.
Before we can obey and experience God’s grace, we must understand it. Grace is the antidote to all fear and anxiety. We will never be able to overcome worry by simply repeating self-help mantras, nor will we gain victory over fear only by the exhortations of others to obey what Scripture calls for. Such an approach will result in discouragement and doubt, even in despair.
When dreadful thoughts arise—I am afraid and overwhelmed, and I don’t know what to do or I am weak and insignificant, and I don’t know how to go on—we must remind ourselves of God’s grace, which says to us, I called you. I chose you. I love you. I have not rejected you. Only the grace of God can help us to overcome our fears and give us this confidence. His promises put all else in perspective, teaching us to fix our minds on the hope of eternity and live in light of its reality.
Do you have any rivers that you think are uncrossable? Are there any mountains that you can’t tunnel through? Are you afraid of a new task that is awaiting you? Are you faced with continual difficulties? Remember that God’s truth doesn’t change. His purposes don’t change. His Son doesn’t change. This unchanging God is the one who is with you and for you. Listen to Him now: “I have chosen you and not cast you off; fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.”
On The Twenty-Third Psalm
"In 'pastures green'? Not always;
sometimes He, Who knoweth best,
in kindness leadeth me in weary ways,
where heavy shadows be.
And by 'still waters'? No, not always so;
Oft times the heavy tempests round me blow,
and o'er my soul the waves and billows go.
But when the storm beats loudest, and I cry
aloud for help, the Master standeth by,
and whispers to my soul, 'Lo, it is I.'
So, where He leads me, I can safely go,
and in the blest hereafter I shall know,
Why, in His wisdom, He hath led me so."
Author Unknown
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