Isaiah 41:10 (CEB)

   Don’t fear, because I am with you;
    don’t be afraid, for I am your God.
    I will strengthen you,
    I will surely help you;
    I will hold you
    with my righteous strong hand.

Reflection

We all feel fear. It’s that fight or flight sensation triggered by large carnivores and small spiders or that person trying to pull into “your” parking spot before you do. Fear is a weapon used by leaders to manipulate. Yoda, (of Star Wars fame) was right, “Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, and hate leads to suffering.” Fear causes suffering. Yet, we’ve been programmed by nature to experience fear to ensure our survival.  Fear isn’t a sign you lack faith, it’s a sign you’re human.

So it’s no wonder then, that God tells us, over and over in scripture, “don’t be afraid.” While it’s normal to feel fear when faced with an uncertain future, or a global pandemic, God reminds us that we don’t need to experience fear alone. God gives us five promises in this scripture to remember when we’re afraid. God says:

I am with you.

I am your God.

I will give you strength.

I will help you.

I will hold you.

God promises to be with us when we’re afraid, and God will not abandon us, no matter what we are facing. God is our God, sovereign creator of the universe, loving and compassionate. There is nothing that can prevail against God who stands with us, not even death. God will give us strength. When we feel weak and ready to give up, God will give us strength to face the fear. God will help us, God is never angry or disappointed in us when we’re afraid, God helps see us through difficulties because we are God’s beloved children. And God holds us, and blesses us in the palm of God’s hand.

By Jeneene Reduker

For Pondering & Prayer

 Are you experiencing fear about a situation in your life right now? Do you find it hard to pray when you’re afraid? We don’t need to suffer from fear. We can give all our fears to God and trust that no matter what we’re going through, we can rely on these 5 promises of God. The next time you are afraid repeat the five promises, “God you are with me. God, you are my God and you strengthen me, you help me not to be afraid and you hold me in the palm of your hand.”

Prayer: Creator God, we are often afraid, remind us that we can bring our fears to you and that you will be with us, loving us, strengthening us and caring for us as we face the fearful situations of life. Amen.