February 21

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness. — Isa 41:10 BSB

How tenderly God comforts our fears! He speaks so sweetly in Isaiah 41:10, “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.” Then He repeats this comforting thought again, with even more tenderness: “For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’” Not only does He tell us once, but He keeps holding our hand, continually repeating these promises.

The Lord sums it all up in one simple message of eternal comfort to the disciples on the sea of Galilee: “It is I; be not afraid.” He doesn’t say, “It’s over,” or “It’s morning,” or “The water is calm,” but simply, “It is I; be not afraid.” He is the antidote to fear, the remedy for trouble, the substance of our deliverance. Therefore, we should rise above fear. Let’s keep our eyes fixed on Him, abide in Him, and be content with Him. Let us cling to Him and declare, “We will not fear though the earth be removed, though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.”