Our next Lenten devotional is written by Dr. Angie Taylor. She is the Director of Student Life Analytics. Angie loves spending time with her dogs probably to an unhealthy level and she always has at least one house project on which she’s am working. Old houses – it’s always something, Angie says! May her words help you on your journey during this Holy Week.
Reading: Isaiah 41:10 (NLT), “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Reflection: We are constantly bombarded with reasons to feel ‘less than’ in our society. We are conditioned to feel anxious about not being good enough. In this verse, we are reminded that there is truly no need to feel anxiety, or fear, because God is always with us. We are also reminded in this verse to not get discouraged. Discouragement stops us in our tracks. It keeps us from moving forward. Discouragement is defined as “a loss of confidence or enthusiasm; dispirited.” It is literally, the lack of courage to move forward – to take risks, to seize opportunities, to form meaningful relationships. God promises to provide us with strength, and with help. When we’re facing a challenge and feeling doubt, we have the knowledge that God is with us and provides the strength and help we need, to get through whatever we’re facing. And whatever the outcome, we also have the promise that it will ultimately be in our best interest, even it does not seem so at the time.
Let Us Pray:
Loving Father, I know that there are many times that fear has replaced faith in my heart, but why should I worry when You have told me so many times not to fear or be anxious? Thank You for Your promise to be with me always, to strengthen me and help me. That if I live in faith and courage You will uphold me with Your righteous right hand, for which I thank You and bless Your holy name.
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