Day 21

"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 41v10

I treasure this verse because it helped me so much when I was teaching in a very difficult school, Carshalton High School for Girls. The discipline was so difficult in this school and I noticed it particularly after teaching in Africa where there was no such problem. I stuck it out for some 22 years until I could retire. I read somewhere a sermon about this verse which suggested that it had seven parts, one for each day of the week and I found it helped. On Sunday one began to dread the week ahead and was told not to fear, the reason came up on Monday; God was with me, on Tuesday one could be dismayed or discouraged, the ease came on Wednesday, God says He is my God, this is better than me saying He is my God. On Thursday a promise of strength. On Friday one felt like crying "Help" and it was there. All the remaining chores awaited on Saturday and a promise of being upheld was given. I used to remind myself of the appropriate phrase in my car on the way to school.

Sometime later I put these thoughts together in a poem:

    A Seven Day Psalm (Isaiah 41v10)

    Praise you Lord on all seven days
    You meet my needs in different ways.
    When Sunday brings the week too near
    You encourage me with "Do not fear"
    On Monday there's no room for dread
    I say "You are with me" instead.
    By Tuesday if things are getting tough
    Your "Don't be discouraged" is enough.
    Wednesday you stand at my side
    "I am your God" you then confide.
    If Thursday's load is hard I find
    "I will strengthen you" comes to mind.
    On Friday the week seems very long
    But "I will help you" comes along.
    On Saturday midst the many chores
    You say "My right hand's help is yours"
    So praise the Lord for seven ways
    You help me through the seven days.

Rosemary Benjamin