Isaiah 35:1-7

“Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, ‘Be strong, do not fear!’” vss. 3-4

Those who have a golf addiction will recognize that the instructions given here are very similar to what an instructor might say to a beginning golfer struggling with the correct set-up in addressing the ball. Everything in the swing is dependent on the grip and the posture. Of course Isaiah had no such thing in mind when these verses were written, and it’s doubtful that anyone can get good golf instruction from either the bible or YouTube videos. It seems much more likely that Isaiah is describing the importance of prayer in dealing with the terrors that strike fear in our hearts in the course of our daily walk. He’s writing in the context of Israel’s return from exile and he knows the people are going to need loads of encouragement. At every step of the way they’ll need reminders to stay strong and not be afraid. It’s wonderful to have such affirming words as we try new things and walk a different path. It’s what we hear from the best teaching pros and from our spiritual advisors. It’s hard to figure out things on our own in life, and it’s a huge blessing to have trusted folks who will show us the way. Sometimes all we need to hear from a friend or a teacher is, “Be strong, do not fear!”

Thought for the Day: What’s the best advice I’ve ever gotten?