Don’t Be Afraid

Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)
 
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
 
 
Reflection
 
Do you remember a time in your life when you fervently prayed to God, because you so needed His help to overcome your fear of BLANK? (You fill it in.)

Or perhaps you can remember a time when you were just so sure that something couldn’t POSSIBLY happen to you, that you didn’t even take your fears to God?

I remember many years ago feeling scared and anxious about a cancer diagnosis. But I just knew in my heart that surgery would resolve my problem and I would not need any additional treatment. Imagine my shock when I heard the devastating news that I would need chemotherapy AND additional advanced treatment. I was also advised I needed a skilled oncologist and a state-of-the-art hospital, equipped with cutting edge technology, to beat this disease. Looking back, I remember how utterly terrified I was to be going through this. But the part I remember the most is that, at that time in my life, I was not in right standing with God.
How different hearing my diagnosis and undergoing my subsequent treatment could have been if I had abided by the words of today’s scripture and leaned on my God for support.

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.

I was so afraid and I felt so alone. My husband and family were very supportive and stood by me every step of the way, but I needed Him to calm my fears.

Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
 
There were many times I cried myself to sleep, so lost in my anxiety and despair. I needed His encouragement and love to see me through my fear.

I will strengthen you and help you.

I know now that leaning on the strength that only Jesus can provide would have made all the difference in the world as I navigated those long, fearful days.

I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Jesus, who sits at the right hand of God, would have held me close, providing peace and comfort, if only I had let Him.
 
The prophet Isaiah spoke these words of support and encouragement to the people of Israel thousands of years ago, but they are just as relevant to us today. We can have faith in God, but at times, our fear is based on HOW God will address our concerns. What if His outcome is not what we want? Once we understand that God will never abandon us, we can begin to find peace in whatever His will for us may be. Lean on Him, give Him control of your fears, and let God strengthen you as only He can.


Action Steps
 

1. Read Deuteronomy 31:6-8 and Joshua 1:9. The Old Testament has many passages that address fear. Now find at least two New Testament passages that talk about fear.
2. Listen to the song, “Things That I’m Afraid Of” | Josh Wilson 
3. Then write down three things that cause you fear or anxiety. Tell God that you accept His divine will and give them over to Him. Tear up the paper and walk away.

 

Prayer
 
Holy Father, thank You for today and for all of its possibilities. Help me to always remember that You are my God, and when I am afraid, You are available for me to lean on. Lead me away from my fears and toward Your perfect peace. Help me to trust that with You by my side, I will never have to face the trials of life alone. Amen.