Isaiah 51

“I, yes I, am the one who comforts you. So why are you afraid of mere humans, who wither like the grass and disappear?” (Isaiah 51:12, NLT)

I am told that the commandment the Lord gave more than any other was, “Do not fear.” People are afraid about so many things. We fear failure, but then we also fear missing out. We are afraid of what people will think of us. We fear unknown situations; some people are afraid of crowds. We fear being overlooked, but then when given the opportunity, we fear saying or doing the wrong thing. But God does not want us to be afraid. He wants us to be strong and courageous, relying upon Him in every situation.

The people of Judah were about to go through an extremely difficult time. Jerusalem would be destroyed, and they would be taken captive to Babylon. It would seem that all hope was gone. They would fear that God had abandoned them. Truly, God disciplined them for their disobedience, but He also comforted them. They were still His people, and He would take care of them. He would fulfill His plans concerning them.

Rather than meditating on what could go wrong or what others may think about us, we should meditate on God’s presence, power and promises. We have so many wonderful promises to be our companions when we are afraid:

“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)

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27, NKJV)

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4, NKJV)

“So we may boldly say: ‘The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:6, NKJV)

The next time you are afraid, consider this: God is with you; He won’t leave you; and He is greater than any challenge you face. So trust in Him and receive His grace, peace and comfort. It pleases Him when we believe in Him, and do not take counsel from our fears.