Fear Not, For I Am With You

"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." (1)

We sometimes shudder when we think about "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." (2) Fearing the Lord has its place for it brings many to the realization that God has ultimate power. Jesus said, "Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul, But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." (3)

However, those who have come to respect the Lord and realize that His commandments and counsel are for our benefit and safety, recognize that with the Lord there is peace, safety, strength and lovingkindness. With Him, there is the absence of fear for He helps us, strengthens us and is present with us through troublous times. Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, prophesied saying, "Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people, and has raised up a horn of salvation for us--. To grant us that we, -- might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life." (4)

It is God's purpose to save us, not destroy us. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (5)

Jesus said, "Do not fear,-- for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (6) John recorded, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us." (7)

"I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you.' "-- " 'I will help you,' says the Lord and your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel"-- "Fear not, for I have redeemed you."-- "Fear not, for I am with you,"-- "Do not fear, nor be afraid."-- "Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, you people in whose heart is My law; Do not fear the reproach of men, nor be afraid of their insults." (8)

1. Isaiah 41:10.
2. Psalms 111:10; Proverbs 1:7 & 9:10.
3. Matthew 10:28.
4. Luke 1:68, 69, 74, 75.
5. John 3:16, 17.
6. Luke 12:32.
7. 1 John 4:18, 19.
8. Isaiah 41:13, 14; 43:1, 5; 44:8; 51:7.