Psalm 18:34-36, “He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great. You gave a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip.” Whoever one is, if he/she attains a measure of success in this life, it is by the providential hand of God. The person may or may not give God the glory, but nonetheless, there is no success for man apart from God. But note here that David says not only did God’s hand support him in war and grant him success, but he made him great with His gentleness! He made the wide place for him to step, and he assured that his feet did not slip.

Isaiah 41:9-11, “You whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, "You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off; fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

These words of Isaiah have been put into a hymn and have offered consolation and encouragement to untold numbers of God’s covenant people through the years. We Christians rest in the fact that God has chosen us, and we take comfort in the promise that He will never cast us off. Jesus taught that all the Father gives to Him will come to Him, and whoever comes to Him, he will never cast away (John 6:37). God is our God, and in the dismaying times of life, we can be reassured by God’s ongoing promise to strengthen us and grant us success as He helps us and upholds us by His righteous right hand.

Joshua told Israel as he assumed leadership after the death of Moses that it was God’s promise never to leave or forsake them that would lead to their being prosperous and successful. In the strength of that promise, it is for us to be strong and courageous and not to turn aside to the right or left!