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Isaiah 41:10 - Fear Not for I Am With You!

Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV) 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.

COMMENTARY PEARL

At The Center Of God's Plan
   God has a specific plan for your life. This is what we read throughout the entirety of Scripture. If you need some reminding today, here are some verses you can stand on:
   He knew you even before you were born, and all the days you'll live were chronicled in His book before one of them came to be (Psalm 139:16). God began a good work in you, and He'll finish what He started (Philippians 1:6). God has prepared an incredible future for you. It's so amazing that no mind has ever conceived it (1 Corinthians 2:7-9).
   This is why He will never back down from any threat that comes against you, His child. He's already overcome the greatest dangers you'll ever face - sin and death. And He won't stop now. He is your perfect Father. He will protect you as you go because He has a purpose and plan for your life.
   Pray that God would imbue His purpose into your heart, that He would help you trust Him as He guides you on.
   Dear God, You know me, and You are leading me. Therefore, I will not fear or be dismayed, for You are my God. [Grace and Glory by Louie Giglio]

COMMENTARY

Constant Companion
   Did you know that there's a Campaign to End Loneliness? An American Perspectives Survey in 2021 found that Americans don't have as many close friends as they did 30 years ago. In 2019, even before the COVID-19 pandemic's imposed social isolation, 61 percent of Americans reported feeling lonely.
   It's hard being lonely; it's easy to get scared or anxious, and even be led into depression. But those who accept God's friendship will never be alone. In today's verse, God promises, "I am with you: He assures us, "I am your God" (emphasis added). That denotes a personalized and loving relationship.
   Perhaps, however, you're isolated because of your faith, because of that very relationship you have with God. Are you the only Christian in your workplace or school? Are you a missionary in a foreign land? Do not despair. God is not made of "wood and stone, which neither see nor hear nor eat nor smell" (Deuteronomy 4:28). He is the living God who promises to "strengthen you" when you are downtrodden, to "help you" when you are perplexed, to "uphold you" when you think you can stand for the right no longer.
   His help is actual, practical, and enduring. He doesn't want you to do it on your own; He desires to be your constant Companion, "for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). This is a God who came to us as "Immanuel, ... 'God with us'" (Matthew 1:23). Christ's express purpose in coming to this earth was to help us. Look at the life of Jesus and know that the same promise holds true for you today.
   Rock of Ages, thank You for always being there and for helping me in times of isolation and alienation. [The Most Amazing Bible Promises by Amazing Facts]

Abiding Peace
   Whenever I think of God's faithfulness in the midst of suffering I am reminded of my dear late friend Corrie ten Boom, the remarkable Dutch woman who (with her family) hid Jews from the Nazis. After being imprisoned in Ravensbruk, the infamous concentration camp, Corrie traveled the world telling her story of suffering, forgiveness, and joy.
   For thirty-five years she never had a permanent home, but when she was eighty-five and in declining health, some friends provided her with a lovely house in California. It was a luxury she never dreamed she would have (and one she never would have pursued on her own).
   One day her friend, the late movie director James Collier, was visiting. He said, "Corrie, hasn't God been good to give you this beautiful house?"
   She replied firmly, "Jimmy, God was good when I was in Ravensbruk, too!"
   Most of us will never experience the horrors Come knew. But no matter what we face, we can depend on God's promise: "Fear not; for I am with you."
   Satan wants to judge god's faithfulness based on our circumstances.  But scripture is clear that god was with Joseph in the pit, in the prison cell, and the palace. god is good all the time. [Hope for Each Day by Billy Graham]

CLOSING THOUGHT

   How confident are you that God is there to help you? He won't just help you if you live a picture-perfect lifestyle or appear righteous to others. He helps you every time you cry out to him. He is as close to the utterly defeated as he is to any other. Don't hesitate to call out to him. He will strengthen you and help you, no questions asked.
   What we receive from God, we often don't even know to ask for. Let's lean on his presence, and let's trust his wisdom to give us all we need with the power of his grace. Let's have the courage to trust him, even when our hearts are rippling. His steady grip of grace is on our lives. He is near, and he won't let go!
   Walk out what God has put before you today and trust him to help you with whatever you need along the way. He is with you. [365 Days of Courage by Sara Perry of Broadstreet Pub]

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Isaiah 41:10 - Fear Not!
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20201102-0939.html

Isaiah 41:10 - God's Empowering Presence. (updated)
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2013/20130927-1737.html

Psalm 23:1 - The LORD Is My Shepherd.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20190331-1208.html

1 John 4:18 - Love and Fear Dont Mix!
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2018/20180622-1000.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/