Lectio Divina Out Loud: Fist Pumping

Erika Dix sees God’s victorious right hand as she finds a way to respond to a challenging situation.

Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

I had heard that the phrase “Do not fear” or Do not be afraid” was in the Bible quite a few times. I just Googled it and many articles say it appears 365 times, so it can be said that it is a daily reminder for us. I love how God uses numbers, and I especially love that we can have a phrase that will put our anxious minds at ease every day.  

Time to act 

We have a situation in our home that is one I had not expected. The ironic part is that I had been offering the support, but I guess had not expected God to make me “put my money where my mouth is.” Merriam Webster describes this phrase as: “to give or spend money or take some action in order to do or support something that one has been talking about.” 

God’s right hand 

I am in new territory, and I am not sure what I am doing. I think that is why this verse from Isaiah spoke to me so much. There are anxious moments, weak moments, confusing moments, and crazy moments. In all of it, though, I am seeing God’s hand. He is strengthening me, helping me, even holding me. And I just love the image of God’s victorious right hand! I see a fist pumping the air in victory every time I surrender a little more to God’s call in this situation.  

People have been saying that we are doing good for helping, but I feel it is beyond that. God put us right in the way in order to help. I think of how I am small, not famous or wealthy, not a leader or public figure, not a major contributor. But even from that small place, I care. This reminds me of a quote from The Night Circus, one of my favorite books:

You’re not destined or chosen. … You’re in the right place at the right time, and you care enough to do what needs to be done. Sometimes that’s enough. (Erin Morgenstern)

That is enough, for God to strengthen us, help us and hold us through all of our anxious moments.   

“Do not fear” spoken 365 times has to mean something, right? 

Prayer:

God, you give us so much, including a way to get beyond our anxiety. You also give us a chance to do good, even if we are small. You see us caring and surrendering to your call. Thank you for all the ways you strengthen, help and uphold us. 

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Copyright 2024 Erika Dix
Images: Canva