FEAR NOT!

 

 

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)

 

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.

 

Six months have passed since the start of government-imposed lockdown as part of the measure to control the spread of COVID-19 and we aren’t seeing much improvement as the number of cases continue to rise.  These past six months have placed upon each of us enormous pressure and testing and it is so easy for us to surrender to our fears and anxieties.

 

For some, we fear contracting the virus, especially when we have other health issues.  For others, they are worried about the economic impact of the lockdown on the profitability of their businesses.  Some are currently unemployed as a result of the economy slowing down and this has led to anxieties about how they’re going to survive without money to buy essentials.  This pandemic has indeed heightened our fears and anxieties to new highs.

 

However, instead of succumbing to fear, the Lord lovingly commands us, “FEAR NOT”.  Instead, He wants us to remember His PROMISE, His PERSON, and His PROVISION. 

 

PROMISE. God has promised that He will be with us.  In Deuteronomy 31, as Moses passed the mantle of leadership to Joshua, he reminded him that God would never leave or forsake him as he leads the people of Israel into the Promised Land.  Moses made sure Joshua understood God’s promise because it was repeated twice (v. 6 & v. 8).  The promise of God’s presence holds true for us today, even as we face the challenging times brought about by the pandemic.  Knowing that God has promised and that He never lies, we need not be afraid or anxious over what is happening around us.

 

PERSON.  The one making the promise is God Himself.  What this means is His promise is guaranteed 100%.  He not only has good intentions for us, He has the power, the means, and the wisdom to fulfill what He has promised.

 

PROVISION.  The promise of God’s presence is seen in His empowerment, His help, and His upholding us in our time of trouble.  He provides all these generously when we ask from Him.

 

Fellow pilgrim, are you anxious and afraid because of the pandemic and the outcome it produced?  The Lord is telling us right now, FEAR NOT.  Will you heed His command?