Recently, two pygmy sperm whales lay stranded near a New Zealand beach. Though volunteers, led by conservation officer Malcolm Smith, worked tirelessly, they couldn’t coax the beached whales back out into the open water. Just as they were about to surrender hope, a local bottlenose dolphin named Moko arrived, made a few shrill noises toward the whales—and immediately led them into the sea. “I don’t speak whale, and I don’t speak dolphin,” Malcolm said, “but there was obviously something that went on . . . [Moko] did what we had failed to do.”
Each of us responds to our anxiety and distress uniquely. Some of us go into feverish activity, attempting to scratch a way forward. Some of us turn silent or depressed, overwhelmed with a sense that our efforts will all be futile. However, each of us share the same core need: for someone to approach us where we are and to know how to help us.
Since we are helpless on our own, the prophet Isaiah’s instruction may seem cold. “Say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, and do not fear’ ” (v.4). Don’t these words strike you as something odd to say to a person rung out with fear? Don’t be afraid. Or to a worrier: Don’t worry. Or to one overcome with loneliness: Don’t be lonely.
Far from flat admonitions to buck up and change their behavior, however, Isaiah was calling them to look forward, to look up and see that they were in no way alone. A divine rescue was on its way. “Be strong and do not fear,” Isaiah said, “for your God is coming . . . to save you” (v.4).
The prophet invites us out of our fear (and out of our worry and loneliness and everything gripping us) because God is here, ready and able to lead us out of our prisons. Will we follow?
More:
God has come to help His people (Luke 7:16 NIV).
Next:
What in your life do you feel the most anxiety about right now? How might God be meeting you in the middle of this anxiousness?
jcam74 on July 28, 2010 at 8:45 am
Yesterday I had fear and it’s something I have been struggling with. I have turned it over to God but change has never been instant but there has been subtle changes. When I had fear overwhelming me yesterday I went into a quite place and read God’s word and got on my knees and prayed. I asked God to come and help me and bring peace and comfort. Withing seconds after praying I felt a calmness come over me. God had heard my prayer and reached out to me. In the past I would try to fix it on my own but never succeeded. Yesterday there was victory. Thank you God for reaching out to me.
Lamont on July 28, 2010 at 8:51 am
Great commentary. Really needed to hear this. Anxiety barricades our hearts and minds from the Lord. As much as I know this, I can easily give in to worry. Anxiety is in the air. The “world” and people in it seem driven by anxiety, quiet desperation, insecurity and the frantic ambition to fill the emptiness.
It’s contagious. I sometimes get caught up in it unless I pull away. At work I come to this site and take a short walk. I’ve found it helpful to tape passages like the ones you state above to my bulletin board at work. Sometimes the night can’t come fast enough for night is when I can read Scripture, meditate and pray.
I honestly don’t know how people make it without Christ. I know I couldn’t. I’d be lost. I thank God!
winn collier on July 28, 2010 at 9:26 am
Jcam and Lamont, thank you for sharing bits of your story. Peace over you (and me) today.
Tyla808 on July 28, 2010 at 8:23 pm
Thank God that His Word is the same yesterday, today and forever…and thank God most of all for His Word being ON TIME all the time!
I too agree with Lamont. This couldn’t have come at a more opportune time and there are probably many more who have read this or forwarded this also feeling the same.
We so often rush into “damage control” mode with our “do-it-yourself” mentality…placing our infinite, omni-potent God into a small box and rendering Him impotent and unfortunately unintentionally assuming ourselves to be the masters of our own destiny.
Recently, I’ve entered into a situation and my initial reaction was panic and then relying on my own strength try to “fix” the problem. Self-sufficiency led me to burn the candle at both ends and cause me to physically manifest all my doubt, fears and worries…about the situation using MY OWN strength, resources and power.
Thank you Jesus for placing people in my life that reminded me to cast all my cares upon Him, encouraged me to immerse myself in the word, pray and meditate. They surrounded me in prayer love and support. I did what I was responsible for, nothing more and nothing less – fulfilling my stewardship obligation and am currently waiting for the Lord for the answer or what to do next.
I appreciate this on-time word because it just confirms that relying on God is the only way to live without fear, anxiety, doubt.
So many believers think that life is supposed to be trouble free and peachy keen once they come into the Kingdom but Jesus himself promised there would be tough times. In John 16:33 He says we will have tribulation (so come to expect it) but He made a way out with His promise for us to “take heart” because He has overcome this world.