Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

I have lost track of how many times the Bible tells us not to fear. At the same time, one of the most consistent messages of the Bible is to fear God. It’s obvious there are various shades of meaning! If we properly respect God, knowing that He is omnipotent and we are accountable to Him, then there is absolutely nothing else we should be afraid of. Terror is a favorite tactic of the devil and those who serve him. The first part of this chapter speaks of a conquering general who can’t seem to lose, and verses 6-7 talk about people creating an idol to help them against that general, but from verse 8 God is specifying who He is, and that He will help His people. We aren’t to get puffed up over this; verse 14 calls us worms! Our security depends on our submission to God, our relationship with Him. It is of the utmost importance that the verse in which James tells us the devil will flee from us if we resist him starts with, “Submit yourselves, then, to God.” (James 4:7) The reason we are so vulnerable to fear of all sorts is that we aren’t properly submitted to God. There is no substitute for knowing that God is omnipotent, and that He has every right and authority over us. What is wonderful is that He is also incredibly gracious and loving, and delights to do good for His obedient children. The better we have that in our heart and mind, the better insulated we are against fear of all sorts.

I get the impression I have been given the spiritual gift of faith (1 Corinthians 12:9), because people have actually commented on it. I am completely calm about medical procedures (well, I get a little uptight), to the amazement of both friends and medical staff. I don’t get worked up over potential natural or political disasters. That is a huge blessing, which I recognize when I see those around me who aren’t so blessed. I am to exercise that faith at all times, drawing others into it by word and by example. I’m not to put anyone down! I have seen people do incredibly stupid things, driven by their fear. I am not to be careless, but I am to be a demonstration that God indeed cares for those who put Him first.

Father, thank You for this reminder, and thank You again for Your overwhelming grace toward me. I certainly don’t deserve it! May I be an open channel of that grace to all who will receive it, for their blessing and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!