I WILL

For I the Lord thy God will hold

thy right hand, saying unto thee,

Fear not: I WILL help thee. (41:131)

It's two words used a multitude of times in our language. Of course, we use “I'll” which is the same thing as “I WILL.” We have said in so many ways what we will do or won't do. There are times when we fulfill those “I wills” and times we have let someone down by our forgetfulness or busyness. We've all been guilty at one time or another. We've been let down from time to time by another “I will-er.” Be it me, you or others, it happens. We've almost become used to it because we live in a world where many folks deliberately make promises with no intent of keeping them.

Lately, I have loved spending time with some of the Old Testament prophets, I came across a neat little section in Isaiah that some commentators entitle “The Greatness of God.” This section is found in Chapters 40-48. There is so much in the Old Testament where I wonder how in the world God could put up with all the spiritual ups, downs, crashes, disloyalty over and over of His people. Unfortunately we live in just such a day as Isaiah. But through all of the spiritual unfaithfulness of God's people, He remains faithful.

In this entire book as in others in the Old Testament, I am finding a multitude of “I will” statements by God. Many of those promises the people probably considered to be in their favor. However, God also made some of those statements with regard to His displeasure with them and even various types of judgment He was planning. Whether those statements were positive or negative, God was and is a God of His Word. Whatever He says He's going to do, it comes to pass.

In this precious little gift box (Chapters 40-48), I found some of those statements that have to do with His presence in the lives of His people. They just seem to speak to where we are right now. Some will say, “That's Old Testament and God was talking to THOSE people.” Yes, He was. What I love about the Old Testament is that it shows throughout the character of God Himself. God doesn't change. What He promised then, He is quite capable of providing for you and me now. God is an entire Bible God. As His children, we benefit from who He is all the time. By the way, that includes warnings regarding our sin. God will never wink or blink at sin, no matter the century, year or present day.

May I suggest some cuddle-up time under God's precious wings (Ps. 91) with one or more of the following verses. May we sense anew His precious presence in our lives.

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be

not dismayed; for I am thy God: I WILL

strengthen thee; yea, I WILL help thee;

yea, I WILL uphold thee with the right

hand of my righteousness. (41:10)

When thou passest through the waters,

I WILL be with thee; and through the

rivers, they shall not overflow thee:

when thou walkest through the fire,

thou shalt not be burned; neither

shall the flame kindle upon thee. (43:2)

For I WILL pour water upon him that

is thirsty, and floods upon the dry

ground: I WILL pour my spirit

upon they see, and my blessing

upon thine offspring. (44:3)

And even to your old age I am He;

and even to hoar (gray) hairs

WILL I carry you: I have made,

and I WILL bear; even I WILL

carry, and WILL deliver you. (46:4)

In Hebrews 13, we read “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever.” God of the Old Testament is the God of the New and His promises are safe and sure, to be claimed by us. When God promises us His constant presence no matter our present circumstances,  He does exactly what He has promised.  We can rest in that fact.

Dear Father, thank You for Your many promises in Scripture and that we can trust Your promises all the time. Thank You for Your watch care and help us to remember that You will never leave or forsake us. In Jesus' precious name...Amen