March 2025
‘… I am your God; I will strengthen you’
Isaiah 41.10 (NRSV)
These words were given to the prophet Isaiah, recorded in the second part of his
book, sometimes described as The Book of Comfort. Isaiah was a prophet for the
Israelites during unstable times; the Assyrian empire was expanding, Israel was in decline.
Chapter 40 onwards is thought to have been written in the latter part of his life,
c.700-680 BC. Isaiah here warns that the Israelites will suffer at the hands of the
Babylonians as captives when Jerusalem falls. Yet, he also tells them they shall
be redeemed by God, as they were in Egypt.
Diffcult and painful times lie ahead. The Israelites are at the mercy of their
enemies but they will be strengthened. Chapter 40 begins with these words:
Comfort, O comfort my people,
says your God.
she has served her term,
her penalty is paid
The word ‘comfort’ confers strength and comes from the Latin comfortare. Even
though His people have turned away from God, He still has compassion on
them, and will support and help them for they are His. The rest of the world may
wage war against them, but they need not fear. They have God on their side,
even, or perhaps especially, when they are at their least powerful.
The early Christians were mindful of the power of God to give them strength. St.
Paul knew that he did not manage to do his work because of his own talents and
energy alone. He reminded his readers that ‘the weakness of God is stronger
than man’s strength’ (1 Cor 1. 25). St. Peter too wrote ‘If anyone serves, he should
do it with the strength God provides’ (1 Peter 4.11).
During Jesus’s ministry he took time apart to be with his Father God before
undertaking difficult tasks, or making decisions. He sets an example for all those
who seek to live for God. When we find the going hard, we can ask the Holy One
to give us the strength to fulfil His will. At such a time, March’s Saying gives us
courage: ‘… I am your God; I will strengthen you’.