God Upholds Us All
Today’s Verse:
Isaiah 41:10 ESV
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
This morning I start my latest round of chemotherapy. Oh, the fun! It’s a lengthy round that will most likely make me feel terrible but hopefully finally kill off the cancer for good. I thought the words from Isaiah 41:10 was a good way to start my day … and yours!
In Jesus, the words of promise found in this verse are fully realized. God is not distant in our suffering—He is near, strengthening and upholding us all. Through Christ’s own suffering, He knows our burdens and walks with us, never letting go. The cross assures us that nothing—not even illness—can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39).
Martin Luther, reflecting on trials, once said, “God lays a cross upon all His saints… that they may rely on Him and not on themselves.” This is not to minimize suffering, but to remind us that even in weakness, His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).
On this Monday, let us all lean into His promises. He is our God. He will strengthen and help us. And importantly, He will carry us through.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Merciful Father, through all of our daily struggles, we have the confidence that You are there. Uphold us all as we start our new week, granting us Your mercy and grace. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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