Fear Not

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’" - Isaiah 41:10

Wow! Those are some very encouraging words. They were given through the prophet Isaiah to the Israelites who were struggling in their captivity. But what do they mean to us today? They mean the very same thing (with an asterisk).

God was speaking to "His people." Back then it was just to the Jewish people, but today, it also includes the Gentiles - those who have received the Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus. And by "faith" I mean through repentance and surrendering to the lordship of Jesus Christ - the Messiah.

It's hard to explain but I have found this to be true: There is no fear in love. There is also peace. John confirms this.

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love." - 1 John 4:18

And where do we experience this "perfect love?" And how do we get perfected? 1.) Jesus. 2.) Become weak.

"My power is made perfect in weakness." - 2 Corinthians 12:9"

Is it not true that, in our times of weakness, we pray? We pray more deeply, more meaningfully. Isn't that what God desires?

When I was in Boy Scouts 60 years ago we once said a prayer before our meals when we went camping. It went like this:

"Rub-a-dub-dub. Thanks for the grub. Yay, God!"

It's a wonder that we survived the weekend. God does not desire meaningless prayers and sacrifices. He wants our hearts to turn to Him in sincere repentance. And when we do, THEN we are blessed, we experience His peace, and truly realize the love He has for us.

"Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations - I cannot bear your worthless assemblies.

¹⁴Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals I hate with all my being. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them.

¹⁵When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening." - Isaiah 1:13-15

But then comes this....

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

¹⁹If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land; He's waiting for you. He's waiting to make you strong, in His love." - Isaiah 1:18-19

If we honor God, obey His commands, and seek His will, THEN we shall all know peace. THEN we shall have NO fear.