April 5
Do Not Fear,
For I Am With You
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.
Daily Steps
When difficulties strike, the first instinct is often fear and a crushing sense of loneliness. This verse is the foundational promise of comfort for the new believer, securing peace not through the removal of trouble, but through the assurance of God’s presence.
The peace in this promise is comprehensive:
The Command Against Fear: The twin commands, "Do not fear" and "do not be dismayed," directly counter the two main reactions to difficulty—panic and discouragement. These commands are possible because of the truth that follows.
The Promise of Presence: "For I am with you; for I am your God." The very presence of the Almighty, covenant-keeping God means you are never alone and never outside His care.
The Guarantee of Help: God promises to actively intervene: "I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." He commits to giving you the internal fortitude (strength) and the external support (help) needed to endure.
Your peace in difficulty is secured by remembering that your feeling of being alone is a lie. The Lord is present, He is your God, and He is actively upholding you.
Reflective Question
What specific fear or feeling of loneliness is trying to overwhelm you today? How can you replace that feeling with the absolute certainty that God is saying to you right now, "I am with you"?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I confess my weakness when difficulties arise. I thank You for the truth that I am never alone. I choose to lay down my fear and discouragement. I trust Your promise: I will strengthen you and help you. Uphold me today with Your righteous right hand, and let the certainty of Your presence be my perfect peace. Amen.
