Isaiah 41:10 NIV: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
As one who has suffered from anxiety for much of my life, I am always on the lookout for some good verses that speak peace into myself. This one caught my eye, as it’s pretty straightforward. The first part needs little digging, but “do not be dismayed” is not a term we use every day. The Hebrew word used for dismay is shaah, which means to gaze, but specifically to gaze or look about with anxiety, as if you are looking for help. The translators use the word dismayed for this, which, according to Merriam-Webster, is to lose courage or resolution because of fear or alarm.
The image I wanted to portray in the artwork is precisely this: if the woman was gazing at her surroundings, she would most definitely be afraid and lose the courage to continue. God says we shouldn’t be terrified or overwhelmed because he is OUR God. In and of itself, however, what practically does this look like? He continues; I will strengthen you and help you. Look at these Hebrew words – strengthen is used for the Hebrew word amets, which actually means to be alert physically or mentally. The word for help is the Hebrew word azar, the primitive root of this being to surround, and thus azar means help or provide protection by surrounding the individual or group.
The final phrase is, at first glance, easy to gloss over as it’s not something we spend much time thinking about. And yet, being held in God’s righteous right hand was meant to be comforting. Of interest in the Jewish culture, the right hand is very significant. It was the hand used for touching sacred objects, like the Torah and sacred scrolls. It was the hand used in oaths and blessings and in purity and cleansing ceremonies. We can think of this, especially with the addition of the word “righteous,” as a space of complete wholeness and holiness. To be held in such a magnificent, perfect space is why we should not fear.
Despite the external turmoil and storm, I wanted the woman to rest in God’s mighty hands, his right hand holding her. You might wonder why she covers her eyes and isn’t just peacefully sleeping in her safe spot? This is my humanness, I suppose, that still wants to shut the trouble out. Do you notice that in this verse, it doesn’t say, don’t fear because I will make the storm go away? Or Don’t fear because I guarantee an easy path ahead? No! It says don’t fear because I will be with you, and I will protect you and give you alertness and readiness for the circumstance you are in. He will hold you in the MIDST of the crisis, not necessarily take the crisis away.
As you reflect on the art, what is your position in God’s hands today? Are you resting, holding on, and terrified? Are you even aware that you are in His hands?
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