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.
Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Being Upheld
Last April, the Supreme Court of Canada issued its decision in Southwind v. Canada regarding the principles for calculating compensation for First Nations whose reserve lands have been taken without lawful authority. The decision is a significant victory for First Nations across Canada seeking compensation for the illegal taking of their reserve lands. It builds on a growing body of recent cases which call on the federal and provincial governments to honour and uphold the Crown’s obligations to Indigenous peoples.
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The most common command in Scripture is “do not fear.” Sometimes the command came when men and women came face to face with God, or an angel sent by God. In every case, there was immediate fear, and God’s command to not fear. At other times, the fear came out of normal experiences, when challenges came and life was threatened. Again, God would show up for His people with the command to not fear and with a promise of His presence. This is so in Isaiah 41:10: “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.” What a blessing to know that whatever we are facing, our Creator is with us. In the person of Jesus Christ, God stepped into our world to let us know how much we are loved. You are not alone. Whatever you are facing right now, God is with you. He is as close as a prayer. He will keep His promise to strengthen you and help you, holding you up through the most difficult of circumstances.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley