Can You Really Have No Fear?

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you,  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

— Isaiah 41:10

Thousands of years ago, the prophet Isaiah wrote these words from God, “Fear not, for I am with you.” This is one of the most famous passages in Scripture and one frequently quoted to people who have experienced great loss or heartbreak. It’s meant to encourage believers that hope is never lost when we live in God’s abiding love.

But it can be hard to hear. In times of great loss or severe anxiety, God can feel very far away.

When Isaiah wrote this message, it was aimed at the Jews, who were in midst of their harsh and seemingly interminable exile in Babylon. God’s chosen people were suffering, and there was no end in sight. Hope was a rarity. They didn’t know that the exile would end and they would be restored. But they had God’s promise to them.

We have the same. It may be easy to focus on the bleakness of today, but we don’t know what tomorrow will bring. It may bring restoration and restitution. It may bring healing or one more day of struggle. But no matter what the day brings, we can truly know that God will give us the strength to endure any hardship and protection within His love. So while we may feel troubled by current circumstances, we have no reason to dismay or to give into fear.

God will bring us consolation. And hope.

Today’s One Thing

If you’re tempted to fall into despair, write down a few ways that God has given you strength during trying times and thank Him for His promise to walk through this with you.

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