Edmond Burke, and eighteenth century philosopher, once wrote, “The timid soul never attains greatness. He is doomed to a life of cautious wading in the shallows of accomplishment.” Do you consider yourself to be one who is timid? The Bible is loaded with verses empowering you to be otherwise. A favorite of mine is found in Isaiah 41:10, 13:
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. For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear.
Notice that twice in this passage God states that He will link hand in hand with you by using the “right” hand. Why is this important? Well, at the time that Isaiah penned these words, the “right” side was considered to be significantly stronger than the left. For instance, to be seated at the right side of a ruler would have been a much greater position given to one than to be seated on the left. Sharing such a closeness with a ruler, or with God, and to walk hand in hand joined on the right side would have been considered to be an extremely rare privilege. God takes prestige to an entirely different level in this verse. He doesn’t just offer you the position of sitting next to Him. He offers you the unique privilege of being able to walk hand in hand with Him. If you’ll take a moment and really comprehend this idea, this invitation from God should blow your mind more than facing the reality that Myley Cyrus has the #1 song on iTunes this week, Party In The U.S.A.
How cool it is to know that the God of all things wants such a close relationship with you and me! He is saying, “Don’t be timid. There is no need to fear anything. I am your God. (Notice twice in this passage that God doesn’t say He is the God. No, He says I am your God.) I’ve got your back. And, just to prove it to you, I’m going to make you stronger by gripping your right hand with my right hand.
Long ago people were haunted by the many dangers which threatened them, both from enemies and animals. Therefore it was common for people to carry a sword or other object of self-defense. Meeting with a stranger for the first time often aroused immediate suspicion. To shake hands, and ultimately to prove oneself trustworthy to the other, each would have to lay down his/her weapon as a public display of vulnerability firmly grasping hands. The handshake was a display of trust. The customary use of the right hand did not originate by chance. It was a precaution to immobilize the other person’s weapon hand.
Today, when you greet someone, you often do so by shaking his/her hand. And, typically you use your right hand. Grabbing a hold of the right hand of God’s with your right hand is your display of complete trust in Him. It is as if you are laying down the “weapons” to which you often take hold of as security and entrusting your very life to His. When God says in this passage He will “uphold you with my righteous right hand” and “take hold of your right hand,” it is as if He is saying, “Friend, I am with you. I believe in you. Trust me. I’ve got your back.”
Knowing that God Himself wants such a close relationship with you should be very empowering to you. This is why the writer of Psalm 31:24 can say, “Be of good courage, and God will strengthen your heart.”
I hope you’ll think about these verses this week. And, as you do, you’ll be not as one, as Burke said, who is “doomed to a life of cautious waiting.” Rather, you can move forward fearlessly united with God’s right hand knowing He has your best interest at heart.
