Isaiah 41:10

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

Fear is an emotional state that can lead to panic. It is a natural reaction to things that threaten us, things we cannot understand, things that can harm. Our world is filled with things that potentially could threaten us. Our world is filled with things we do not understand at first glance. Our world is filled with things that might or might not cause us harm.

But, the world is also filled with things that nurture and feed us. The world is filled with things we come to know and love. The world is filled with things that help us.

“Do Not Fear” is not shared as a polite request, nor does God try to explain to us why fear doesn’t lead to positive and loving actions. God commands us, “Do not fear.” God’s reason is simple. He tells us, “I am with you.”

The Lord also tells us, “do not be dismayed.” The word dismay means to be stripped of our strength. Do not allow the world and the unknown to strip away the strength that is with us if we allow it. Do not let the absence of understanding lead us to weak actions and words.

God knows that humans’ first response is often negative- filled with fear, filled with resistance, filled with helplessness. So what is his advice? As any parent might do, God encourages.

When something happens, when something appears, when we face an unknown, stop and gather the strength of God that is all around you. Stop, look, and listen. God will show you, lead you, and strengthen you. The way forward may be challenging, but each step can be filled with the love and support of our Father. If we stop for a moment, breathe in, and exhale a prayer, then may we be filled with the love, strength, and grace of our Lord that will allow us to respond in love and not in fear of the unknown path before us. If we open our eyes, heart, and mind to what God shares with us, then we will get to know and understand what lies before us. We can use that understanding to react with grace and love instead of fear and hate.

Today, let us pray together a prayer we can repeat in each moment where we feel fear and dismay. Father, in moments where we feel weak, help us to still our heart and breathe in. In that breath, fill us with Your spirit, and may we exhale a prayer that You will guide us and strengthen us. In all moments, help us see Your love all around us so that we do not fear what we do not understand. Amen.

This devotion was written by Jill Pope and read by Susan Daves.

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