Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand.

Isaiah 41:10 NLT

I can’t tell you how many times I feel like quitting.  Sometimes it’s every day . . . and, sometimes its several times during the day.

Candidly, the pressure can be too much.  

The problems become too many.  

The expectations can be too extreme.

And, the pain can be too unbearable.

Many of us have learned to “go for it”, “gut it out” and “give it our all”.  Sometimes it’s just not enough.  We’re encouraged to be decisive, deliberate and determined . . .  but, determination can often be weakened  by despair, disillusionment or defeat.

In our fear . . . failure . . . and fatigue, we are reminded by the prophet Isaiah that God’s presence was with the nation of Israel and He is always with us, He gives us strength and He will help.  

Here are some more promises about our ever-present and all-powerful God.

He Is Our Source.  

The psalmist reminded his readers, “The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.” (‭Ps 28‬:‭7‬ NLT).  He is the One we can trust and He is worthy of our trust.  He gives grace and we respond with gratitude. There is no other source or supply that will satisfy.

He Is Our Strength.  

Paul told of his personal resource of power, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  (Phil 4:13 NLT)  To the followers in Ephesus, he wrote, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.”  (Eph.6:10 ESV)  The psalmist identified God’s protecting and perfecting power, “It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.” (‭Ps‬ ‭18‬:‭32‬ NIV). When we am collapsing in weakness, He is still completing His work.  

He Is Our Security.  

Jehovah God says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (‭Josh‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ NIV) God’s surrounding security makes us safe. Moses told that God would never abort His care or abandon His presence, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” (‭Deut‬ ‭31‬:‭6‬ NIV). He will always care and He will always be there.

He Is Our Stability.  

The psalmist wrote, “He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken.” (Ps 62:2 NLT). When our walk seems shaky and uncertain, Jesus is there to secure our insecurity and stabilize our instability.  Pope Francis recently shared, “We cannot live as Christians separate from the rock who is Christ. He gives us strength and stability, but also joy and serenity.”  When the calamity of life’s storms hit, He is the calm.

Feel like quitting?  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been there, too. I’m reminded of the encouragement from the writer of Hebrews, “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” (Heb 12:2 NLT)

God is our source.  He is our strength.  He gives us security.  And, He alone is our life’s stability.

Eyes on Him . . . focused by faith and faithfully following.

He’s got this . . . and, He has you.