Encouragement for Today

January 3, 2025 You’re in Good Hands TRACIE BRAYLOCK Lee en español

“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)

The mother’s eyes filled with tears after she heard she couldn’t go back into the operating room with her toddler. As the little girl’s operating room nurse, I did my best to assure this mother that I would take the very best care of her daughter.

I was sincere about my assignment, and I nurtured her daughter as if she were my own. I held her little hands as she lay on the operating room table, her eyes filled with wonder and curiosity as she gazed around the unfamiliar space.

She drifted off to sleep as the anesthesiologist prepared her for the procedure, and I continued my work around the operating room. Her care was now the responsibility of the entire team, and I felt confident I had watched over this little girl in a way that would make her mother happy.

As I continued to think about how the mother might be feeling as she sat in the waiting room, I wondered if she knew God and His promises found 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.”

As I had the honor of holding her daughter’s hands in the operating room, she had the opportunity to be strengthened, helped and upheld by God’s hand. If she didn't know God already, I prayed she would come to know Him.

Throughout the Scriptures, God reminds us of the ways He cares for us and is present with us in every situation:

First Peter 5:7 encourages, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (NIV).

Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (NIV).

My friend, whether it’s your child, your career, a conflict or a condition that you’re concerned about today, do not fear or be dismayed. Hear God’s reassurance that you do not have to be anxious — but if you find that you are, cast those anxieties onto Him. Ask Him to help you walk confidently into every room and face every situation with calm in your heart, knowing He is present with you. The One whose peace transcends all understanding is upholding you with His righteous right hand.

Dear God, thank You for Your presence and the peace You extend to me in every situation. May I be fully aware of it, accepting of it and assured in it. Your Word sustains me, and I know I’m in good hands. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

Psalm 63:7-8, “Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me” (NIV).

Isaiah 41:13, “For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you” (NIV).

How has God strengthened and helped you when you were troubled? How do you need God to uphold you today? We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.

© 2025 by Tracie Braylock. All rights reserved.

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