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
Isaiah 41:10 is such a nourishing truth for our thirsty souls. During the time of this statement, Israel was in Exile. It was in this time they declared there was no one like their God. Even in a time of despair and fear, they found strength in the Lord.
What kind of season are you in today? As I write this, my heart breaks for the many families impacted by the Reagan Airport crash. I cannot begin to imagine what grief and devastation so many are feeling today.
What shall you do in a season or moment of fear or pain? How can you gasp for air when suffering has a strong hold on your life? How can you make sense of life when the narrative quickly changes from peace to chaos? Perhaps it is the good ole pastor in my soul, but I’d like to offer you a few thoughts to assist with these questions.
Cast your fear and pain to Him. The verse above begins with two powerful words, “Fear not.” How can anyone live by these two words? Look to Psalm 91:1-2. I’ll make it easy for you today by sharing the passage.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2
When tragedies and setbacks interfere with your life, fear and anxiety creep in. This is a natural response to life’s pain! What shall we do with all of this? We trust our God as our refuge and fortress. Tell Him your pain. Tell Him your fear. Tell Him your anxieties. Pray and pray like never before. (For more help, look at Hebrews 4:16). Yield your heart and mind to the fortress and strength of the Almighty.
Suffering and tragedies in life will not take away His presence. I love the next five words in Isaiah 41:10. “For I am with you.” Think with me on this statement…He is with you. He promises to walk through the valley with you and comfort you in this season (Psalm 23:4). Don’t allow darkness to convince you of hopeless loneliness. He is with you.
He is stronger than your weakness. Look at the next part of Isaiah 41:10. “Be not dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you.” Do you feel weak? Do you lack the strength to embrace the day? Cast your weakness and anxieties to Him. I would encourage you to memorize Philippians 4:6-7. This passage has helped in several difficult chapters of my life story.
He is your help. Look at what Isaiah declares, “I will help you.” Where do you go for help? Do you go to Him for help? In my own life’s pains, I have experienced God’s help. Sometimes it wasn’t immediate, but it was guaranteed.
He promises victory. The final part of Isaiah 41:10 can be your song today! “I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” The right hand is the side of victory and power (no offense to any south paws). As a Christ follower, I have my victory in Him. Jesus promised victory with these words, I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world, John 16:33. According to Revelation 21:4, he will one day wipe away every tear and death will be no more. He is your help today. He is your strength. He is your victory.
Dave Snyder, Pastor, First Baptist Church
dsnyder@fbcp.org
Local Pulse Editor’s Note:
Dave Snyder is a part of our Community Voices series. This dynamic group of Pensacola dwellers is dedicated to driving positive change in our city. They inspire progress and foster a stronger, more connected community through shared experiences, expert insights, and thoughtful perspectives on impactful topics.
