Do not fear

"Fear not for I am with you..."~Isaiah 41:10

I can think of so many verses in the Bible that tell me not to fear. The prophet Isaiah has numerous instances. I also recall almost any time there is an angelic visit, the person is told not to fear. God is certainly giving us a message that we should pay attention to. One part of the message is that we will have fears. What are fears? The definition of fear is an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat. Some fears are real, but many are imagined and create anxiety--another thing we are told to give to God. He knows we will have these feelings is the point, and the second thing is what He does to allow us not to fear. God says in Isaiah 41:10, "Fear not, for I am with you." He is with us! He doesn't say He will be with you, or soon we will be together, or even we have been together--He speaks in the present tense. Further in that verse God gives a promise that comes when we hand over our fears to Him. He says, "...I will strengthen you, yes I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Those promises are fulfilled after we stop being fearful. LORD, help us to hand our fears into Your faithful hands in Jesus name.

AMEN