Strength for Weary Hands and Fearful Hearts
A devotional for Tuesday
Scripture
Strengthen the weak hands, steady the shaking knees! Say to the cowardly: “Be strong; do not fear! Here is your God; vengeance is coming. God’s retribution is coming; he will save you.”
Isaiah 35:3–4
Reflection
Happiness often disappears when we feel tired, afraid, or overwhelmed. Joy, however, meets us right in the middle of weakness. Isaiah speaks to people whose hands were drooping and knees were unsteady from fear. They had waited a long time for relief, and discouragement had taken its toll. God’s response is not shame or impatience. It is reassurance. He tells them to be strong, not because they are capable, but because He is coming. Joy begins when fear loosens its grip. Fear drains our strength and narrows our vision until all we can see is what is wrong. God invites His people to lift their eyes and trust His saving presence. Joy does not deny fear; it speaks truth into it. When we are connected to Christ, strength flows not from self-reliance but from relationship. Happiness waits for fear to disappear, but joy grows as we trust God in the midst of it. Courage is not the absence of fear. It is choosing to believe God is at work even when we feel weak.
Closing Question / Challenge
What fear do you need to bring honestly before God and trust Him to meet you there?