Fear is the most natural path for all of us. It sneaks up on us through the night and hits us full in the face some mornings like the rising sun. It attacks us at the most inopportune times, paralyzing us and making it almost impossible to move forward. And it makes life miserable. Who has not felt the anxiety of unwanted fear?
God has made us to live in faith. Only when we are walking in confident dependency are we at rest. It is the singular antidote to fear. But where does faith come from? How can it be obtained when we are fearful?
Faith comes from hearing God. This is why He has included over 7,000 promises in His word. Faith is God’s operating principle with His true children. But it is not blind or foolish. Real faith is always resting on something God has said, something He’s promised to His children.
ISAIAH’S COMMAND
Forty chapters into the book of Isaiah, after God has rebuked and warned his chosen people, He now comes with comfort in Isaiah 40 and 41. Read both chapters. It is a litany of the greatness and sovereignty of God. He is over everything and holds it all in the palm of His hand. No king can touch Him, nor army slay Him. No nation can overturn His government, for He “reduces rulers to nothing” and “merely blows on them and they wither” (40:23-24).
He” created the stars” and “calls them all by name.” And He “does not become weary or tired.” This One who created all is over all and controls all cares for His children like a shepherd.
“Like a shepherd, He will tend His flock. In His arm He will gather the lambs and carry them in His bosom. He will gently lead the nursing ewes.” (40:11)
SO DO NOT FEAR
In a climatic, personal word, God commands us not to fear and then tells us why this deadly emotion is unnecessary.
“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
Notice the five promises upon which we can release our fear and stand in peaceful, confident faith.
Read those again. Read them in the night and at the beginning, middle, and ending of each day. Rest your past, present, and future on those promises of God, and rest in His perfect faithfulness! Regardless of what is coming against you or raging around you, the Child of God has nothing to fear when the sovereign, shepherding God has you in His arms.
History has proven this, and God’s Word assures it. God takes care of His own even in the midst of the worst this life can throw. Now, go face your day in faith!
Father, we’re overwhelmed by You. Nothing is above You or beyond You. And for those who have been saved by Your grace, we can be confident of Your care as we look to You in faith. Grant us faith today and the deliverance from fear. Use our faith as a clear testimony to a watching world of the greatness of our God.
As a pastor for the last 55 years, I have had the joy of being encouraged and blessed and prayed for by so many people. It is what carries you in your task of shepherding people. As I look back over five decades of ministry, their love has dramatically enriched my life.
But also, a pastor leads. And when anyone leads, there are almost always some who disagree.
