Today I would like to focus on Isaiah 41:10 “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.”
God tells us in the world we will have trials, but he will always be with us. God tells us to fear not because He goes through the trials with us. He is there no matter what we’re facing.
Psalm 46:1 God is our shelter and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:2 So we will not be afraid, even if the earth is shaken and mountains fall into the ocean depths; Psalm 46:3 even if the seas roar and rage, and the hills are shaken by the violence. Psalm 46:7 The LORD Almighty is with us.
God is not the originator of fear. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLV) “For God did not give us a spirit of fear. He gave us a spirit of power and of love and of a good mind.”
God knows us. He knows when we get worried or become anxious. God gives us many reminders to fear not. To fear not means to trust God instead of believing our present situation is bigger than God is. God wants us to trust him.
Psalm 73:23 (NLV) “I am always with You. You hold me by my right hand.”
It’s important to understand why God tells us to not be afraid. It’s not because what we are facing is easy. God tells us in the world we will have trials. It’s a certainty.
John 16:33 (NLT) “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
God tells us to fear not because he goes through the trials with us. He is there no matter what we’re facing.
Psalm 46:1-3 (NLT) “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. 2 So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. 3 Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!
God has promised that he will never leave us – Deuteronomy 31:6 (NLT) “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
God is never surprised by our circumstances – Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV) “I say this because I know the plans that I have for you.” This message is from the Lord. “I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future.
Stop asking, “Why did this happen?” When you are afraid, facing something that frightens. Instead, ask God, “What can I learn from this?”
Know that God is always ready to help us in times of trouble.
