Let’s face it, it’s easy to be fearful in today’s world. Rapid inflation, wars, sickness, you name it, this world will freak you out about it.
God offers not just an alternative (peace), but commands it of those who follow Him.
Let’s look at Isaiah 41:10 together and unearth this gem of Scripture and apply it to our lives in away that will helps us not only have more peace, but to live by faith the way we were called to live in Christ Jesus.
Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Isaiah 41:10
A Command And A Promise
The first thing I want us to look at is the fact the verse starts with a command.
“Fear not”
It doesn’t say fear not when you think the situation is going to work out in your favor. It also doesn’t say to fear not when your life is going the way you think it should.
God simply says, “fear not.”
It then goes on to provide us with a promise when we do this.
God Is Near
“For I am with you.”
The Great I AM is with you, beloved. He’s with you when you get the bad news at the doctor, he’s with you when you find out you just lost the job. He’s with you when you put your last $10 in the gas tank and have no clue on how you’ll get more gas, which you’ll need soon if it’s only $10.
“Be not dismayed, for I am your God.”
Doubling down, God says to us not to be dismayed. Not to be stressed by the unexpected. Gas went from $4.26 to $5 almost overnight. For me and my family, who lives on a tight budget, this was easily something to be dismayed over, but the command here is clear. “Do not be dismayed” and why? Because God is OUR God!
He knows our need, He knows our situation, He hears our outcry and He listens!
“Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
God promises to help us. Does that mean He’s going to do what we want Him to do?
No.
We don’t pray in order to relay information to God, He’s God, He already knows everything.
We pray and ask God for help in times of need and He answers it the way He knows is best.
It might not make any sense, it might even make us mad, but He is God.
He is good.
He is perfect.
He is doing a work in and through our lives. We have to trust that with every fiber of our being.
Encouragement For The Worried
If you struggle with worry, anxiety, and what’s going on in the world, listen to me, you’re not alone.
Go and read up, listen to, and digest more information about knowing God. One book that helped transform my thinking about God and the things of God was Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer.
Grow in your knowledge of God and you WILL experience more God, more peace, and be able to do more without worry in your life and thoughts.
Remember how this verse starts.
A Command and a promise – “Fear not for I am with you.”
Oh, and turn off the TV/news.