Bible Passage: “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 41:10 NIV)
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 41:5-16
What scares you?
Be honest. No one is listening.
We’re all afraid of something. It’s not necessary to give a list of things that men are sometimes afraid of. We all know, deep down, what it is that shivers us, chilling our spine, gripping our chest, and freezing our minds.
Isaiah’s listeners were surrounded by enemies. Enemies bent on Israel’s destruction and subjugation. An atmosphere that bred fear far beyond the anxiety of losing a job or a shortcoming as a father or husband.
This was a fear for their very lives and futures. Fear that was real and had warrior faces set in aggressive determination.
There are reasons to be afraid. Perhaps you and I do not share the same reasons to fear that ancient Israel did, although there are brothers and sisters in Christ around the world who daily face enemies that may kill them.
God’s comfort remains the same in each of our fears. Notice the repetition. A call not to fear, followed by a statement of being, of fact.
God allays fears with the promise of presence and identity.
God does not offer the comfort of action or deliverance. God calls for confidence based on His presence with them and in the fact that He is their God.
He is with us and is our God.
Our security is anchored in God’s presence with us and the fact that he is our God.
Men, our security is found in relationship, not our performance. We do not have to achieve to drive out fear. God reminds us, simply and clearly, that fear is overcome by His presence and relationship with us.
This, though, is not the end of God’s offering to the fearful.
God offers strength and support. His right hand is the stable ground on which we can plant our feet to stand firm.
Isaiah does not expect that we have it all together. The call not to fear or be dismayed is for those for whom life has proven too deep and who are over their heads.
Wherever we are overwhelmed—stressed at work, stretched thin at home, burnt out by serving—God stretches out His right hand to uphold us.
Prayer: God, life is sometimes, or often, more than I can manage, and fear threatens to overrun my heart and mind. Thank You for Your presence and relationship in my life. Thank You for the strength of Your right hand that upholds me.
Reflection: Where have you tried to fight your own battles only to find that you cannot master your fear? How can you surrender your fear to God and rest in His presence and power today?
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