‘All who rage against you
    will surely be ashamed and disgraced;
those who oppose you
    will be as nothing and perish.
12 Though you search for your enemies,
    you will not find them.
Those who wage war against you
    will be as nothing at all.
13 For I am the Lord your God
    who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
    I will help you.

When I was an older child, and then a teenager, I felt I had nothing to fear if I was in the company of David Butler (mentioned in yesterday’s note). ‘Big Buck’, as he was nick-named, was taller and stronger than me, and he gave me confidence as I walked down the street with him. I didn’t believe anyone was going to ‘get’ me while I was with Dave.

But when I was small, I think I felt even more strength and safety when I walked along the road with my dad holding my hand. Dark nights held many fears for me, but not when I felt my father’s grip. His presence and his touch made all the difference.

“Count on it: Everyone who had it in for you
    will end up out in the cold—
    real losers.
Those who worked against you
    will end up empty-handed—
    nothing to show for their lives.
When you go out looking for your old adversaries
    you won’t find them—
Not a trace of your old enemies,
    not even a memory.
That’s right. Because I, your God,
    have a firm grip on you and I’m not letting go.
I’m telling you, ‘Don’t panic.
    I’m right here to help you.’ (The Message).