Strength and Encouragement

Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; he will come and save you– Isaiah 35:4

This is a heartening exhortation, but all the more so because it comes from God himself. God says, “I am coming; I will save you; do not be afraid; be strong.”

These words are addressed to the fearful, to those whose hearts are trembling and weary and worried. There are a thousand things in this sin-cursed world that can cause a heart to quake, a resolve to crumble, a spirit to tremble.

You may have received a medical diagnosis that is menacing for you or a loved one. You may be enduring intimidation or coercion from unbelieving family or friends. You may find yourself a minority as a Christian in a culture that is overtly humanistic. But do not be afraid. Be strong.

Your God will come with vengeance. This, of course, reminds us that it is not our business to retaliate, or seek revenge against those who wrong or harm or malign us. God is the great avenger (Romans 12:19) who will right every wrong, and he does not need our help to do it.

He will come and save you. God is everywhere at once and so he does not need to “come” or “go” anywhere. He is always present with you. Yet, we do not always see his delivering hand immediately at work in our circumstances. But fear not, God says, my salvation is sure and it will not fail to come in my perfect timing.