You’ve sent out countless resumes. Yet employment still seems elusive. You’ve led a healthy lifestyle. Yet the cancer marker is abnormally high. You’ve tried to be a good parent. Yet your child is choosing not to follow God. The list goes on.
The only certainty in life is uncertainty. Even after you’ve done all you can possibly do, the future is still beyond your control.
In our fight against fear and anxiety in this uncertain world, it’s easy to turn to idols and to make gods for ourselves. That’s what Isaiah described in Isaiah 41:5-7. The nations refused to acknowledge that Yahweh is the God of history (Isaiah 41:2-4). So, in a bid to feel more secure, they rushed to make new idols and tried to strengthen them (which is rather ironic).
What might that look like today? Well, we could strengthen our idol by burying ourselves in the Internet, in amassing possessions, in developing our intellect, or in building up our bodies.
But God calls His people to respond differently to fear. We’re reminded that He chose, called, and will never reject us. Our God says: “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” (Isaiah 41:10).
In our fear, let’s focus on two truths: “I am with you” and “I am your God.” I Am is the God who does not change. His truths and purpose do not change (Numbers 23:19; Ephesians 1:11). This unchanging God is with us.
Don’t be afraid. Don’t be discouraged. He will strengthen and help you. He will hold you steady.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: James 3:1-12
More:
Read 1 Samuel 13:11-12 and 17:32-37 for one negative and one positive example of how fear was handled.
Next:
How do you normally handle fears? How can you keep your focus on the two truths: “I am with you” and “I am your God”?
emma4god on December 21, 2012 at 12:50 am
Blessed be our God for taking thought of us. This couldn’t have come at a better time.
Jesus loves even me.
nivla on December 21, 2012 at 2:31 am
amen amen amen! i just needed to hear and be reminded of that..
oftentimes, i would forget that truth..
You’re here with me Lord, I will not be afraid.
mike on December 21, 2012 at 9:26 am
Psalm16:8 I have set the Lord contunually before me, because He is at my right hand I will not be shaken.
This passage produced much comfort and peace for me during a two year period of being out of work.
What geat confidence we have when our hope is in Christ.
Thanks for the great reminder.
loananna on December 21, 2012 at 9:32 am
Amen! To all , this is such a blessing to read and really just sit back and remember…No matter what happens to me today, the Lord is with me…Thanks for reminding me…
Sandy on December 21, 2012 at 11:13 am
I need to plant these profound words on my mirror in the bathroom. I liked the first paragraph…it reminds me how futile this world can become. Yet He is all in all.
Thank you
pri1465 on December 21, 2012 at 10:34 pm
Thank you for this message. I really needed to be reminded of it today.
Other Bible verses that have strengthened me are:
This is my command—
BE STRONG & COURAGEOUS!
DO NOT BE AFRAID OR DISCOURAGED.
FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD IS WITH YOU
WHERE EVER YOU GO.”
Josh 1:9
I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me”
Phil 4:13
We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,”
Romans 8:28
“But God keeps His promise and will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm at the time you are put to the test, He will give you the strength to endure it and so provide you with a way out”
1 Cor 10:13
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jer 29:11
Tom Kopper on December 22, 2012 at 12:24 am
Tough times are definitely ahead. So we need to continually learn and remind ourselves, that our LORD God As stated bove, “In our fear, let’s focus on two truths: “I am with you” and “I am your God.” I Am is the God who does not change. His truths and purpose do not change (Numbers 23:19; Ephesians 1:11). This unchanging God is with us.
And He commands us to “Fret not.”
deborah1 on December 22, 2012 at 8:50 am
Thank you for this reminder. I need to remember and truly believe that the Lord is with me and if I humble myself before Him and seek and listen for His guidance that He will pave the way for me.