FEAR NOT

Proclamation:

“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

Explanation:

These are the words of The Lord God as written by the prophet Isaiah under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Isaiah, the greatest of all of the prophets, wanted the people of God to know that The Lord God said that He would be with them and that He would protect them. (Isaiah 41:11-12)  God also said that He would provide for them. (Isaiah 41:18-19)  He was with them in the past, He was with them at that moment, and He would be with them in the future. (Isaiah 41:9)  God said that He would take care of them and help them. (Isaiah 41:13)  

Application

The prophet Isaiah was telling the people of Israel of God's promised help, but as a believer and a child of God that promise applies to us today also.  We are commanded not to be afraid and not to be dismayed or discouraged.  Our God promised to strengthen us in our weakness, to help us when we are overwhelmed, to protect us when we are attacked, and to lift us up when we are down by holding us in His hand.  Bad things can happen to good people.  You can lose your job, develop a serious illness, or a loved one can die.  These things, and others like them, can test our faith in God.  However, all we have to do is to trust Him and believe in Him.  Our God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and always present.  He is an all-sufficient God and He can help us even in the worst of times and situations.  Fear not, for God can control our enemies and our circumstances.  "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalms 46:1)