Remember: “Fear Not!
“We often find ourselves in crisis situations and we don’t know which way to turn – to the right or to the left – every direction seems hopeless. We find it difficult to pray. We ask for help but don’t seem to receive it. The first words that came out of Moses’ mouth were, “Fear not.” Do you know why it’s so important not to fear? Fear robs faith. If you allow fear to grip you, your faith immediately decreases. In times of crisis, the key words are “Fear not!”. Crises come in this life. You could lose your job, someone close to you could be in an accident, or perhaps a problem arises that demands an immediate answer. Remember: “Fear not!”
In Scripture, we find the words “fear not” many times. Whenever an angel brought a message to a person, the first thing said would be, “Fear not.” When Jesus revealed Himself He also used this expression. We are very prone to fear. We are weak and vulnerable and we know it.
From the moment Moses saw the burning bush, a faith burned in his heart. He wanted to impart this same faith to the people. He didn’t have the slightest idea how God was going to save them, but he believed in God, regardless. He knew that God was big enough to intervene in this new crisis. God always surprises us when He intervenes. His methods are different every time…
We like to imagine how God will intervene and then “help” Him. However, the only thing we need to do is remain quiet and wait and see how He will do it. Remain firm in your position of faith. …stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord…
All that the children of Israel saw, was an army behind them. They didn’t see any battle. They didn’t see a fight. They didn’t see the angels removing the wheels of the enemy chariots, but they did see the salvation of the Lord. They couldn’t see what was happening in the invisible world, but they did see what God did in this adverse circumstance. They saw the miracle of the Red Sea.
I Corinthians 10:2 says: “And all were baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea”.’ The children of Israel were going to be baptized, but they didn’t know it. God delivered them in a strange manner. He made them pass through the Red Sea. This speaks to us of the cleansing by the Blood. The Lord said that they would see the salvation of the Lord. He didn’t say, “You will see what I will do to your enemy.” They were going to see something much bigger than that – they were going to see grace in operation. They were going to be baptized and experience the beginning of something new. The Red Sea, which they feared to cross, saved them completely from their enemy. They were washed and cleansed and the enemy could not destroy them.
The cleansing Blood is something very precious to us, but something very terrible to the devil. The church services that the devil hates the most, are services of repentance. He hates repentance because for him, it means death. He can’t come against the blood.
The command came as to what the children of Israel were to do: Stand still! Many falter on this because they felt they had to do something. If the order to advance has not been given ,then don’t go forward. Wait!
The battle is the Lord’s. Stand still and wait! There are things that come against us, and things that want to destroy us. But stand still in the armour of God. We know how the Book of Job ended, but Job didn’t. But he stood firm and continued to believe in God throughout his trial…
There is a time to pray and cry out and there’s a time to abstain from that. This was not a time to pray, but a time to do something. Now let’s see what God said to the people. The command was: Speak unto the children of Israel that they go forward…(v15). They were to go forward into the apparent impossible. But they trusted God and weren’t destroyed. Like the three Hebrew children, who upon entering the burning oven, fell into the arms of the Almighty. Perhaps you say, “But I’ll die!” Well, if you die, die going forward and not retreating. I would rather die with an arrow in my chest than in my back.As David ran toward the giant he wasn’t thinking, “He’s so tall! He’s so big!” He just ran toward the impossible. Jesus set His face toward Jerusalem where the cross awaited Him. The people marched and God met with them. If we go forward, God will meet with us. He will never lead us into destruction. If you go where He leads you, you’ll go from victory to victory and from glory to glory
BIBLE SCRIPTURES
Fear Not
Isaiah 41:10
10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthenyou and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Joke:
According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.”
QuotesFear: False evidence appearing real.
acrophobia: fear of heights
aerophobia: fear of flyingaquaphobia: fear of water
astraphobia: fear of storms
claustrophobia: fear of closed spaces
dentophobia: fear of going to the dentist
enochlophobia: fear of crowds
glossophobia: fear of public speaking
hemophobia: fear of blood
iatrophobia: fear of doctors
mysophobia (germophobia): fear of contamination
nosocomephobia: fear of hospitals
zoophobia: fear of animals
nyctophobia: fear of darkness
lilapsophobia: fear of tornadoes and hurricanes
pluviophobia: fear of weather associated with rain and storms.
thermophobia: fear of hot weather
Franz Kafka, Letters to Milena
I am constantly trying to communicate something incommunicable, to explain something inexplicable, to tell about something I only feel in my bones and which can only be experienced in those bones. Basically it is nothing other than this fear we have so often talked about, but fear spread to everything, fear of the greatest as of the smallest, fear, paralyzing fear of pronouncing a word, although this fear may not only be fear but also a longing for something greater than all that is fearful.”
― Franz Kafka, Letters to Milena
Psalm 23:4 – “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Psalm 27:1 – “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”
Psalm 34:4 – “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”
“Fear not” is a recurring message in Christianity, emphasised throughout the Bible to encourage believers to trust in God’s sovereignty and find comfort in His presence. Here is some content on “fear not” in Christianity, along with relevant scriptures:
1. God’s Assurance
Throughout the Bible, God reassures His people not to fear, emphasising His unwavering presence and protection.
Scripture: Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
“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.”
2. Overcoming Fear with Faith
Christianity teaches that faith is the antidote to fear. Trusting in God’s promises helps believers overcome their anxieties.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”
3. Fear Not, I Am with You
God’s presence is a constant source of reassurance. In times of trouble, believers are reminded that God is by their side.
Scripture: Isaiah 43:1 (NIV)
“But now, this is what the Lord says—He who created you, Jacob, He who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.'”
4. Casting Anxiety on God
Christians are encouraged to cast their fears and anxieties upon the Lord in prayer, knowing that He cares for them.
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
5. Fear of the Future
The uncertainty of the future often leads to fear, but Christians are reminded that God holds the future in His hands.
Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
“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.”
6. Fear Not, Jesus is the Light
Jesus is described as the light that dispels darkness, representing hope and salvation, and providing a reason not to fear.
Scripture: John 8:12 (NIV)
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.'”
7. Fear of Death
One of the greatest fears humanity faces is the fear of death. Christianity offers the assurance of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.
Scripture: John 11:25-26 (NIV)
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?'”
Isaiah 41:10 is a powerful verse from the Bible that offers comfort and encouragement during times of fear and uncertainty. It reminds us that even in the face of adversity, we can find strength and courage through our faith. In this article, we will explore the context and meaning of Isaiah 41:10 and how it can inspire us to overcome our fears.
Isaiah 41:10 – The Verse
“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 (ESV)
Fear Not, for I am with You
This phrase opens the verse with a powerful assurance. It reminds us that no matter what challenges we face, God is with us. The presence of God is our source of strength and a constant reminder that we do not have to face our fears alone.
Be Not Dismayed, for I am Your God
When we feel overwhelmed or disheartened, this part of the verse reminds us of our relationship with God. He is not just any God; He is our God. This personal connection emphasizes His care and love for us, which should alleviate our fears.
I Will Strengthen You
God promises to provide us with the strength we need to overcome our fears. This is a reminder that we are not expected to be strong on our own. We can lean on His strength and draw from it as we face challenges.
I Will Help You
Knowing that God is our helper brings comfort. He doesn’t just watch from afar; He actively helps us in our times of need. This assurance should encourage us to turn to Him in prayer and trust in His guidance.
I Will Uphold You with My Righteous Right Hand
This imagery of God upholding us with His righteous right hand symbolizes His power, protection, and righteousness. It signifies His unwavering support and commitment to His children.
Context and Interpretation
Isaiah 41:10 is part of a passage in which God reassures His people, Israel, that they need not fear because He will be with them. The context of this verse is the impending exile of Israel and the challenges they would face. In this context, God’s message of comfort is not limited to ancient Israel but applies to all who put their trust in Him.
This verse encourages us to have faith and trust in God’s presence and help in our lives, even when circumstances seem daunting. It reminds us that fear can be overcome through faith in a God who is all-powerful, loving, and ever-present.
Application to Our Lives
Trust in God’s Presence: When facing fear and uncertainty, remember that God is with you. His presence provides comfort and strength.
Embrace Your Relationship with God: Recognize that God is not distant; He is your personal God who cares for you deeply.
Rely on His Strength: Instead of relying solely on your own strength, turn to God for the power to overcome fear and challenges.
Seek His Help: Don’t hesitate to ask for God’s help and guidance in times of trouble. He is always ready to assist you.
Rest in His Righteousness: Trust that God’s ways are just and that His protection is unwavering. He will uphold you in righteousness.
Isaiah 41:10 serves as a powerful reminder that we need not be consumed by fear. Through our faith and trust in God, we can find the strength and courage to face life’s challenges with confidence. As we internalize the message of this verse, we can experience a profound sense of peace, knowing that God is with us, helping us, and upholding us with His righteous right hand.