“God incarnate is the end of fear; and the heart that realizes that He is in the midst…will be quiet in the midst of alarm.”
F. B. Meyer
As a sensitive little girl, hurtful comments at the dinner table would send me running to my room crying. Today I still don’t like conflict and will avoid it at all costs, not wanting my feelings to be hurt, nor desiring to hurt others. I have a tendency to avoid fear, to push down my anxieties to the pit of my heart. But like balls pushed down into a pool of water, they will always bounce back up. It’s tempting to try and run away from my fears by climbing into bed and pulling the covers over my head, hoping they will mysteriously vanish. Fears don’t disappear but are best dealt with head on.
Like me, the people in the Bible were fearful. God over and over again reminded them to “fear not” and instead “be strong and courageous.” Easier said than done. The assurance of God’s Presence helped them choose to press through their fears and to do what God was asking them to do. At one point in Moses’ life he told God, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” (Exodus 33:15) Moses was smart enough to know he needed God and could not, would not, do anything without Him.
God’s Presence is the solution to our fear. Knowing God is with us makes all the difference in the world. You’re not alone in whatever trial you’re facing. Instead, you and God together will be able to face what is up ahead. Numerous times in Scripture, God reassures us He is with us. Our heavenly Father realizes our need to often be reminded of that truth.
Isaiah 41:10 is a verse that restores peace to my anxious heart. “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.” The right hand of God symbolizes His power, God’s protection and presence, along with His mighty works and the ability to defeat our enemies.
When life gets hard, grab a hold of God’s hand. When it feels as if your world is being turned upside down and the rug is being pulled out from under your feet, grab a hold of God’s hand. When you’re afraid to face the day and hear the doctor’s diagnosis, grab a hold of God’s hand. When you’re not sure how you will be able to pay all your bills this month, grab a hold of God’s hand. When you don’t know how to juggle all your responsibilities as a single mom, grab a hold of God’s hand. And when you need to speak God’s Word to those who don’t know Him, grab a hold of God’s hand.
Isaiah 43:2 comforts me. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” No matter what circumstance you’re dealing with today, God’s Presence is with you. Together, hand in hand, you and God will be able to confidently face your fears.
“There is never a fear that has not a corresponding “Fear not.”
Amy Carmichael
Relevant Reflections:
1. What situation in your life do you need to know God is with you?
2. Describe a time when God’s Presence was evident.
3. How does knowing God’s right hand is holding onto your hand, give you comfort?