I am with you
by Tom Brennen
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Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand (Isaiah 41:10).
As a school principal, there have been many times I have sat down with a student, staff member or parent and offered consolation they needed to hear. Perhaps the most often-used phrase in my arsenal is, ‘It’s going to be okay’.
In the midst of the many troubles of our lives, it is easy to forget to sit and listen to God, gather with other believers or read his word. Our natural inclination is to work harder or try another approach when things are not going well. It is at this time we need someone to sit us down and make us stop.
God speaks in this vein in the opening of our verse today. He tells his creation to be silent and still! And this is what he says:
I am in control. I am the first and the last. I know what is to be. I have chosen all humankind as my people. Yes, you will face enemies and hardship. But I will be with you. I will help you and strengthen you. I will be with you at all times. I am your God.
God’s message is so much more beautiful, comforting and truthful than any phrase I can offer to my students, staff and families.
Imagine what a difference it would make to our lives and our communities if, when faced with trouble, we immediately stopped and meditated on the words of Isaiah 41:1–16.
As we offer consolation and encouragement to ourselves and our communities, let us turn often to God’s word for the needed reminders that he is the Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer of us all.
As Lutherans, we hold as core to our faith the power of the written word of God. Let us turn to this precious gift for sustenance.
Lord, thank you for your word. Let us drink deep from this cup of wisdom. Amen.
Tom Brennen is currently serving as principal of Lakeside College, a Prep to Year 12 Lutheran school located in Pakenham, Victoria. He has served as a missionary in the Middle East and has a passion for bringing Lutheran thinking to issues of social justice. As an educator, he is dedicated to ensuring a transformative Lutheran education is accessible to all families across Australia. Tom holds a Master of Education from Australian Lutheran College, a Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership from Australian Catholic University and undergraduate degrees in arts, music and education. As an active academic, Tom has written and presented on many diverse topics, such as worship in Christian schools, the interaction between social justice and Lutheran schools, leading staff professional development and cross-cultural schooling.
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