May 7 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Devotional

Do you have times when you feel overwhelmed by fear? Like worry and anxiety, fear is a regular visitor to every person’s life. The fear factor can paralyse us as church, families and individuals, creating much distress. We procrastinate and delay taking action because we fear the implications, rejection, the future, or the unknown. We fumble and grope about in the dark, looking for light! We are afraid and become indecisive because we see bears larger than life! Fear makes us insecure. We jump at shadows.

Isaiah 41 speaks marvellous words to those who are feeling droopy, downcast or discouraged. Out of the darkness of our fears, anxieties, troubles and heartache a beam of light shines: “So do not fear, for I am with you!” Isaiah is sent by God to encourage the Lord’s people, then and now, to be of good courage and not to fear the future!

Every time the Lord says, “Do not fear” He provides reasons why we should not fear. The words of Isaiah 41:10 are extremely powerful! This verse tells us, “Do not fear,” and allows that command to stand on five strong pillars! (John Piper) Fear not because of pillar number one: I am with you; pillar number two: I am your God; pillar number three: I will strengthen you; pillar number four: I will help you; pillar number five: I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

There are so many different circumstances in which we could be terrorized by fear. World events may make us nervous, the spiritual challenges our children or grandchildren face, insecurity, setting out on a new venture—many things can threaten our confidence and bring fear to the hearts of the bravest souls. But let us remember that when the Lord says, “Fear not and do not be dismayed,” He provides us with solid divine support. We overcome fear by resting on the pillars of God’s promises. We have security in Christ’s blood. This is how we receive the ultimate assurance that God is with us. The Lord will never forsake us or take us down paths that destroy us. Praise God for the work of Christ. Through His redeeming grace we have the assurance that the pillars of God’s promises will never be broken. Those pillars turn the fear factor into a sense of awe.