DISCOVERING GOD / #10 / I am your helper and your strength

BIBLE: (God speaking) So 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 41:10

MESSAGE FROM ANDREA: Here is a promise from God that we can really hold onto (see what I did there? “Hold on to”). There are so many verses in the Bible that talk about God holding us up - and they often mention that He does this with His right hand - the symbolism here according to ancient writings from that time is that the right hand speaks of “someone’s ultimate strength and power” - for about 90% of the population the right hand is the dominant hand which naturally has more strength.

If you go to pull someone up who has fallen over you would reach out your strongest hand to grab theirs and lift them up right? In the same way, if you are standing beside someone and they start to faint or lose their balance - you would reach out and steady them with your hand. This is the picture that this verse gives us. God is right there beside us ready to steady and strengthen us with His hand - ready to reach out and grab us if we fall. We just need to ask Him, but sometimes we believe that we need to be strong all by ourselves.

Sometimes we can feel really stuck in life - like we have fallen into a pit and it’s slimy and muddy and we can’t climb ourselves out - God’s hand can pull us up and out of our stuckness too. Read Psalm 40:1-3. David talks about God pulling Him out of a pit of despair and putting him on a firm foundation so He can find his feet again. God wants to do this for you too.

Let Him tell you this today - “I am with you, I am your God, I will strengthen you and help you and hold you up.” His hand in your situation gives you a feeling of confidence and strength that you cannot get on your own. You can trust Him and these promises about Him in the Bible.
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IN YOUR JOURNAL:
[A] We often feel like we should be strong and do things on our own. Is it easy for you to ask for help? Why or why not?

[B] Is there something going on in your life or your thoughts that you would really like God to help you with? Or a pit you feel you are stuck in that He could pull you out of? Tell God about it or write it here…
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[C] Take a minute to imagine God’s hand (powerful, kind, strong, loving) reaching out to you to steady you or lift you out of where you feel stuck. See Him doing that for you. Notice what it feels like - notice what He is doing or saying to you. 
Thank Him for His help and that His hand is always ready to save you.

BEFORE WE FINISH:
You made it! Message Andrea or Mark and lets us know! And we'll send you a special 'you did it gif' and probably give you a high five next time we see you! 

TO FINISH:
Here is a review of what you have been learning these last 10 days - read over these truths from God like a letter straight from Him to you. Spend time thanking Him for all of this and come back and read this any time you need reminding.

​Dear Favourite Child,
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I KNOW you personally and you matter to me. I made you in my image. You are not a mistake - I planned for you. I have GOOD in store for you. I will meet ALL your needs. I LOVE you just because you are MY child. I will look after you. You are mine and I will never leave you. You will have my LOVE always - no matter what. I am your helper and your strength in every situation.


Your Loving Father,


GOD.