Isaiah 41:10 -Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Have you looked at the news today? Maybe you read a newspaper, watched CNN, or googled the breaking news today like so many people every day of their lives. Well, that news isn’t always good news! As a matter of fact, that type of daily investment in the news will cause your heart to fear, but I have great news for you today! God said, “Fear not!”
I can hear the worrier saying, “Oh yeah! Easier said, then done!” And they are correct! But it can be done! You can live today, free of fear!
What are you afraid of today? Are you afraid of nuclear attacks? Maybe it’s terrorism? Maybe your fears aren’t so nationally involved. Maybe they are closer to home: afraid your loved one will die, afraid the bills won’t get paid, afraid you’ll never meet someone to love and to love you, afraid you’ll never have a child, afraid you will die and go to hell…
There are a lot of things that we can be afraid of, but God said, “Fear not!” And then He goes on to tell us why: for I am with you!” When you have the assurance in your heart that God is with you, He says that you are to not fear! Don’t be afraid of all of these things because I am with you, He says!
And then He said, ”don’t be dismayed” or stressed out!! Now I know this is even tougher, but God doesn’t want us afraid or stressed out! Why are we to not be “dismayed”? Because “I am your God!” Is He your God today? Because if He is, then He is saying, “Don’t let this stuff stress you out, I’m your God!”
Life is a challenge for many today! When I was given a bad report about my health, I went to God in prayer, and He led me to this scripture in Isaiah. Since choosing to accept the truth of this verse, I’ve walked in great peace in spirit and in body. This isn’t the first time I’ve read it, or had to be reminded of it, but I am so grateful that He brought it to me at this time, reminding me that He is with me and He is my God!
Then it gets even better! God promises to strengthen, help, and uphold you! He’s not telling you to not be afraid on your own power, He is saying that He will strengthen you to keep you from being afraid and stressed out. He will help you and uphold you so that you are not fearful and stressed out.
When ever Rick Renner takes a look at a verse of scripture and breaks it apart, he usually rewrites the verse with the Greek meanings inserted. Although I have not taken this apart via the Greek, I would like to share the Message version with you: “Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.” The Amplified Bible calls the “right hand of my righteousness” “a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation.” Now how could we remain in fear with a promise like this?!
I encourage you today, and myself, to determine to let go of fear. Someone wrote a song that has this phrase, “Let go, and let God!” That’s sound advice for us all! Wonderful Jesus!
Wonderful Jesus! 