Isaiah 41:10, 1, 3-9, 2, 11-18

Don't be afraid. I am with you. Don't tremble with fear. I am your God. I will make you strong, as I protect you with my arm and give you victories.

Be silent and listen, every island in the sea. Have courage and come near, every one of you nations. Let's settle this matter!

He goes after them so quickly that his feet barely touch the ground— he doesn't even get hurt. Who makes these things happen? Who controls human events? I do! I am the LORD. I was there at the beginning; I will be there at the end. Islands and foreign nations saw what I did and trembled as they came near. Worshipers of idols comfort each other, saying, “Don't worry!” Woodcarvers, goldsmiths, and other workers encourage one another and say, “We've done a great job!” Then they nail the idol down, so it won't fall over. LORD Israel, you are my servant. I chose you, the family of my friend Abraham. From far across the earth I brought you here and said, “You are my chosen servant. I haven't forgotten you.”

Who appointed this ruler from the east? Who puts nations and kings in his power? His sword and his arrows turn them to dust blown by the wind.

Everyone who hates you will be terribly disgraced; those who attack will vanish into thin air. You will look around for those brutal enemies, but you won't find them— they will be gone. I am the LORD your God. I am holding your hand, so don't be afraid. I am here to help you. People of Israel, don't worry, though others may say, “Israel is only a worm!” I am the holy God of Israel, who saves and protects you. I will let you be like a log covered with sharp spikes. You will grind and crush every mountain and hill until they turn to dust. A strong wind will scatter them in all directions. Then you will celebrate and praise me, your LORD, the holy God of Israel. LORD When the poor and needy are dying of thirst and cannot find water, I, the LORD God of Israel, will come to their rescue. I won't forget them. I will make rivers flow on mountain peaks. I will send streams to fill the valleys. Dry and barren land will flow with springs and become a lake.