I Am Your God

 "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

    Whenever my dad was found doing something out of the ordinary, with an imperial expression he would proclaim, "Don't put me in a box!" I had the opportunity to use this exclamation recently when I surprised even myself by getting a tattoo. When I was growing up, only old navy veterans and Hell's Angels had tattoos, so I naturally eschewed the idea. So, what made me change my mind and how did I decide what to have permanently etched on my arm?

    I chose the scripture reference above because I will never disbelieve this divine promise and I will never outgrow my need to be reminded of it. As for the reason, I thought, "I have verses taped to my bathroom mirror, on my computer desk, on the wall of my work station and in the glove box of my car so why not have one where I can see it any time I need to and where, perhaps, someone else may inquire of it, opening the door to share my faith?

    This verse from Isaiah has become my life verse because, though there has been plenty to be fearful about, I take great comfort in hearing God tell me, "Don't be discouraged or intimidated!" He will strengthen me and help me so what do I have to fear? Take those four words, "I am your God" and ruminate on them, placing the emphasis on the different words.

• "I am your God." The same God that spoke to Moses through a burning bush and helped David overcome a giant is the one who watches over me.
• "I am your God." If I were the only human on the earth, Jesus would still lay down His life for me, that's how loved I am.
• "I am your God." The great I Am, the Alpha and the Omega, the Creator, Sustainer and Redeemer, the Ancient of Days is my Father and best friend.

  So, when I lift my sleeve a bit and spy the ink, the strength and reassurance I need are there to remind me of all this. 

"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has bourne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me." Isaiah 49:15, 16