ESOCS Devotional 31 January 2026 – You’re Not Alone
MEMORY VERSE: ““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
TEXT: ISAIAH 41:1-20
“Keep silence before Me, O coastlands,
And let the people renew their strength!
Let them come near, then let them speak;
Let us come near together for judgment.
2 “Who raised up one from the east?
Who in righteousness called him to His feet?
Who gave the nations before him,
And made him rule over kings?
Who gave them as the dust to his sword,
As driven stubble to his bow?
3 Who pursued them, and passed safely
By the way that he had not gone with his feet?
4 Who has performed and done it,
Calling the generations from the beginning?
‘I, the Lord, am the first;
And with the last I am He.’ ”
5 The coastlands saw it and feared,
The ends of the earth were afraid;
They drew near and came.
6 Everyone helped his neighbor,
And said to his brother,
“Be of good courage!”
7 So the craftsman encouraged the goldsmith;
He who smooths with the hammer inspired him who strikes the anvil,
Saying, “It is ready for the soldering”;
Then he fastened it with pegs,
That it might not totter.
8 “But you, Israel, are My servant,
Jacob whom I have chosen,
The descendants of Abraham My friend.
9 You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth,
And called from its farthest regions,
And said to you,
‘You are My servant,
I have chosen you and have not cast you away:
10 Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
11 “Behold, all those who were incensed against you
Shall be ashamed and disgraced;
They shall be as nothing,
And those who strive with you shall perish.
12 You shall seek them and not find them—
[e]Those who contended with you.
Those who war against you
Shall be as nothing,
As a nonexistent thing.
13 For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand,
Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’
14 “Fear not, you worm Jacob,
You men of Israel!
I will help you,” says the Lord
And your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.
15 “Behold, I will make you into a new threshing sledge with sharp teeth;
You shall thresh the mountains and beat them small,
And make the hills like chaff.
16 You shall winnow them, the wind shall carry them away,
And the whirlwind shall scatter them;
You shall rejoice in the Lord,
And glory in the Holy One of Israel.
17 “The poor and needy seek water, but there is none,
Their tongues fail for thirst.
I, the Lord, will hear them;
I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.
18 I will open rivers in desolate heights,
And fountains in the midst of the valleys;
I will make the wilderness a pool of water,
And the dry land springs of water.
19 I will plant in the wilderness the cedar and the acacia tree,
The myrtle and the oil tree;
I will set in the desert the cypress tree and the pine
And the box tree together,
20 That they may see and know,
And consider and understand together,
That the hand of the Lord has done this,
And the Holy One of Israel has created it.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional Here
Luke 2:40 provides a glimpse into the early life of Jesus. Though the verse is simple, it is rich with meaning. It reveals that even Life often brings seasons of fear, loneliness, and uncertainty. Whether it’s a personal crisis, a difficult decision, or an unforeseen loss, we can feel overwhelmed and isolated. But Isaiah 41:10 speaks directly into such moments: “Do not fear, for I am with you.” These words remind us that we are never truly alone; God is always present, powerful, and personal. This promise was originally spoken to Israel during a time of exile and uncertainty. They were discouraged, disoriented, and afraid. But God reminded them of His covenant love and sustaining presence. Today, this verse offers the same reassurance to all who belong to Him.
God’s presence dispels fear: The first part of the verse says, “Do not fear, for I am with you.” Fear is natural, but God calls us to trust in His presence. Psalm 23:4 echoes this truth: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” When God is with us, we can walk through dark valleys with courage. Moses, when afraid to return to Egypt, was reassured by God’s words: “I will be with you” (Exodus 3:12). The promise of God’s presence is the antidote to fear.
God’s power sustains us: Next, God says, “I will strengthen you and help you.” We often try to face our challenges alone, depending on our strength or resources. But God offers something far greater – His divine power. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” In 2 Corinthians 12:9, God told Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” When we feel weak, God is strong. He doesn’t just sympathize; He strengthens.
God’s hand holds you firm: Finally, God promises, “I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” This is a picture of both power and closeness. God doesn’t just stand by; He actively holds and supports us. Psalm 63:8 says, “My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” The “right hand” is symbolic of authority, righteousness, and victory. Even when you feel like you’re falling, God’s hand is underneath you. He won’t let you go.
Reflections
- Are you facing something today that makes you feel afraid or alone?
- Take heart; God is with you. He is not distant or disinterested. He is your strength, your help, and your constant support.
- You may feel like you’re walking through fire or deep waters, but remember what Isaiah 43:2 says: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you… the flames will not set you ablaze.”
Prayer
- Father, thank you that I am never alone. When fear rises, help me remember that you are with me. Strengthen me when I feel weak. Hold me up when I feel like falling. Teach me to walk in your peace and trust in your presence every day, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Further Reading: Isaiah 52:13-End; Luke 2:41-End; Philippians 4:8-22
ESOCS Devotional 31 January 2026
