When I was growing up, we owned several children’s Bibles, published by the Seventh-day Adventists, which featured incredibly beautiful illustrations. The sixth book showed signs of use because it was my absolute favorite. The story was about Queen Esther. The scene of Esther entering the throne room unannounced is still vivid in my memory. Her dress, a vibrant mix of yellow and orange, cascaded onto the floor. An arm adorned with jewellery, reaching out to the scepter extended to her from the throne.
My childhood imagination was filled with the image of a heroine. Never did I imagine that her chin might have trembled with hidden fear. But she was not alone! In this season of Purim the message I’m taking away, is that even when fear whispers, God stands behind you.
At some point, we all hear the whispers of fear, it might even shout at us from time to time. We all carry responsibilities, face failed expectations and harbor silent worries about our families, finances, health, or the future.
However, our Heavenly Father never intended for us to bear these burdens without support. 1 Peter 5:7 states, “…casting all your worry upon Him, for He is concerned about you.” This necessitates humility under God’s powerful hand. Admitting your need help is a sign of humility. It’s not about avoiding accountability; it’s about acting diligently and practically while relying on God for the ultimate conclusion.
Isaiah 41:10 states, “Do not fear, for I am with you.” This verse is truly uplifting. God is not a distant observer. He stands close. He supports. He protects. God doesn’t stand before you and demand that you be strong. He is before you clearing the path and behind you, as a protector of the unseen.
While not explicitly mentioned, God’s presence and actions are unmistakably present in the Book of Esther. This principle can be applied to our lives. God’s presence is always evident, even if His name is sometimes concealed. This is evident in His divine timing and protection. When there is silence, God is still working to bring help into your life from unseen places.
This principle is in agreement with Deuteronomy 31:8, which declares, “And it is יהוה who is going before you;” He not only prepares the way forward but also stays behind to watch over your steps. His presence envelops us; we are never left unprotected.
However, we are all human, and at times we struggle internally between worry and trust. Have you never pondered the possibility of failure? What if it falls apart? Have you ever experienced feelings of isolation, invisibility, or a lack of support, despite being surrounded by others? In Matthew 6:34a, Yeshua addressed these concerns by stating, “Do not, then, worry about tomorrow…” This passage essentially restates King David’s words from Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. “
Last night, while re-reading the Scroll of Esther, Father reaffirmed this lesson to me that I’m eager to share with you.
Psalm 5 states that favor surrounds us like a shield. But always remember, the protection Father offers is unique to each of us, not a one-size-fits-all safeguard. He is intimately acquainted with each of us, knowing our names, our histories, and our present situations. He witnesses our sorrows and hears even our unspoken prayers. Our protector’s watch is ceaseless; He never turns His eyes.
So I want to encourage you when doubt fear and unbelief knock on the door of your heart. Pause , Pray and declare the truth of His Word. Declare out loud : “God stands behind me. I am not alone. I am covered.”
God has your back, because He has your heart, you are engraved on the palms of His hands (Isaiah 14:16).
I will not worry.
I am not alone.
I am not forgotten.
I am not overlooked.
I am protected.
I am loved.
I am permanently held.
I am a child of the Most High God.
God goes before me.
God stands behind me.
God has got my back.
All to the glory of our Protector , our loving Father , our Creator, our King.
- Kies Lewe deur die Koning te Volg – Parasha Re’eh August 5, 2026"Kyk (Re'eh), Ek hou vandag voor julle die seën en die vloek." (Deut 11:26) Die eerste woord van hierdie week se Parasha is Re'eh, wat beteken "Kyk!" Dit is merkwaardig dat Moses die volk in die enkelvoud aanspreek. Al staan die hele volk voor hom, spreek hy elke persoon individueel aan. Elkeen moes […]
- Walking in the Footsteps of Covenant – Ekev July 27, 2026The Hebrew word Ekev (עקב) literally means heel or because. It carries the beautiful picture of following in someone's footsteps. Just as a heel leaves a footprint behind, Israel was called to walk in the footsteps of YHVH's covenant. The blessings described in this parashah were not random rewards, but the natural fruit of […]
- The Heart That Hears : Va’etchanan July 20, 2026The name Va'etchanan, meaning "I pleaded" or "I earnestly sought favor," reflects Moses' heartfelt plea to YHVH from the plains of Moab, begging to enter the Promised Land. Despite Elohim's loving refusal, Moses, rather than dwelling on his disappointment, dedicates his final days to preparing the Israelites for a future he will not witness. […]
- From Tears to Hope : The month of Av July 16, 2026The month of Av is one of the most significant months on the biblical calendar. At first glance it seems to be marked by sorrow, yet beneath its ashes lies a remarkable promise of restoration. Historically, the Ninth of Av (Tisha B'Av) became a day associated with national tragedy. Jewish tradition remembers that […]
- Remember the Road, Prepare for the Promise (Devarim) July 15, 2026As the book of Devarim (Deuteronomy) begins, Israel stands on the eastern side of the Jordan River. The wilderness journey is nearly complete. A new generation is poised to enter the Promised Land, but before crossing over, Moses pauses. Instead of delivering military orders, he starts with a sermon. Before Israel can claim […]
- Mattot : Faithful Words, Faithful Hearts July 7, 2026Parashat Mattot poses three timeless questions: Are our words trustworthy? Are we removing compromise from our lives? Are we committed to the wellbeing of Father’s people as much as our own family? The portion of Mattot begins with instructions about vows and oaths. In a world where words can be spoken lightly and […]
- Pinchas: Zeal that Brings Life June 28, 2026Parashat Pinchas opens in the wake of a somber chapter in Israel's history. The people had succumbed to idolatry and immorality at Baal Peor, inviting divine judgment upon the camp. Amidst this crisis, Pinchas demonstrated zealous devotion to the holiness of YHVH, and his actions averted Elohim's anger. Consequently, he was granted a "covenant […]
- Prophetic images of hope : Pictures of Messiah in Chukat June 23, 2026Parashat Chukat, Numbers 19:1-22:1, contains some of the most mysterious passages in the Torah : The accounts of the water from the Rock, the Red Heifer and the bronze Serpent beautifully bridge the Torah and the Good News, showing that even in the wilderness YHVH was already revealing His plan of redemption through Messiah […]
- Korach : The Subtle Seed of Rebellion June 14, 2026Parashat Korach (Numbers 16-18) is far more than the story of a man who challenged Moses. It is a warning about the subtle seed of rebellion that can grow in any heart. Korach was a Levite, chosen for a sacred calling, yet he became dissatisfied with the role YHVH had given him. Under […]
- From Fear to Faith: Learning from the Spies June 9, 2026Parashat Sh’lach (Numbers 13–15) tells the dramatic story of the twelve spies sent to explore the Promised Land. All twelve saw the same land flowing with milk and honey. All twelve carried the same giant cluster of grapes back to Israel. Yet only two, Joshua and Caleb, returned with faith. The other ten […]
