If you read on you will find in verses 13 & 14 the following, “‘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. Do not be afraid, O worm Jacob, O little Israel, for I myself will help you,’ declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.”

 

Again, this is clearly addressed to Israel. But in a secondary sense it can be applied to anyone who has been redeemed by the Holy One of Israel. 

 

What a neat picture: God taking hold of my hand and telling me not to fear. When I’m in His grip I have no need to fear. He will help me. But that implies that I need help, that I can’t do it myself. Notice how he describes Jacob – O worm! And Israel – O little Israel. In ourselves we are small, too small to overcome the opposition. We’re no more than a mere worm crawling along on the ground. But remember that Jesus Christ is identified prophetically in Psalm 22:6 as follows, “I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people,” 

 

Jesus became for me what I am, a worm, humbled and despised. Through His great sacrifice Jesus redeemed me. Now, though I like Jacob am like a worm, God says, “Don’t be afraid…I myself will help you.” With His help, though I’m little and insignificant in myself, I can face any foe, no matter how formidable, and overcome. So take heart and be encouraged. 

 

Philippians 4:13: “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”