DO NOT FEAR

At some point in our lives we need help, especially when it comes to anxiety, stress, fear, and despair. During these times we may be tempted to throw up our hands and either “give in” or “give up.” God’s Word, the Bible, provides a workable formula for these times and situations. It is presented by the prophet Isaiah, where God Himself strongly declares this formula. “Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes. I will help you. Yes. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). God continues in verse 13, “For I the LORD your God will hold your right hand. Saying to you, “Fear not, I will help you.” Observe how God uses the personal pronoun “I,” “I am,” and “I will.” This is one of God’s great promises to us.

Dr. Charles Stanley makes a meaningful comment on Isaiah 41:10. “At some point, each of us will face circumstances that will cause anxiety. When we do, we must remember we are God’s children. We have the power to overcome fear when we apply His Word to our lives—remembering that He is always with us and will not fail or forsake us.” (Life Principles Bible, p. 840). We certainly have the power to overcome fear when God’s word is applied in our lives. For He has said, “My Word which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me void, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11). God is completely reliable and so is His word.

“Do not fear.” This is God’s reliable word to us, now and in the future. Remember, God is fully aware and in control of every situation we face. Our part is to “let go and let God.” King David exclaimed, “I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." (Psalm 34:4). Because of our relationship with God, we have nothing to fear. Fear and anxiety get us nowhere. At the onset of this condition we must seek divine intervention. The Bible says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

“Be not dismayed, for I am your God.” To be dismayed means to be "disheartened and discouraged." One can overcome this feeling by fully trusting God and allowing Him to have full control of the situation. God, the great “I am,” is of great significance. When God revealed Himself to Moses, He said, “I AM THAT I AM” (Exodus 3:14), meaning He is self-existent, eternal, and unchangeable. On this basis, we can’t be disheartened or discouraged.

“I will strengthen you.” David experienced much distress when he was threatened to be stoned. What David did? He “strengthened himself in the LORD.” The Bible says, David was greatly distressed, because the men spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul—but David strengthened himself in the LORD his God” (1 Samuel 30:6). This is exactly what we must do to overcome distress. We cannot accomplish anything in our own strength and “vain is the help of man” (Psalm 60:11). No wonder God says “I will strengthen you.” Note, this comes immediately after God declares, “I am your God,” Remember, “God is our refuge and strength” (Psalm 46:1).

“I will help you.” You and I need God’s divine help in every situation. Psalm 121:2 says “My help comes from the LORD who made heaven and earth.” Moses told Israel, “Be strong and of good courage ….. for the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never fail you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). And the writer to the Hebrews appropriately adds, “So that we may boldly say, The LORD is my helper” (Hebrews 13:6). God cannot deny His word. As we face various challenges and trials, we are assured of God’s help. Let us have courage and completely rely on His help. “O, God our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,” begins that famous hymn by Isaac Watts.

“I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Not only will God strengthen and help us, we have the assurance that He will uphold us with "His righteous right hand." This means that God will support and sustain us through the entire process and beyond. Take heart and have faith in God.