With God, It’s Personal

Fear is an interesting thing, isn’t it?

Fear can be real or imaginary. While there are real fears, I’m certain that so much of what we fear is in our heads…anticipated. And those “what-ifs” can linger in our minds…

What-if this issue isn’t resolved and I need to have a hard conversation?
What-if my health concern is real?
What-if the person I want to address a concern with doesn’t receive it well?

There are just so many “what-ifs.”

Yet I read somewhere that most of our perceived fears don’t come true and that so much time is wasted worrying about “what-if.”

While I certainly don’t have all of the answers, I do know this. God is good, solid and reliable. I know that His Word doesn’t change regardless of our emotions or circumstances or “what-ifs.”

After all, according to 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”

I also know that reciting His Word and getting it deep in our hearts and minds makes a difference. Reading God’s Word to start and end each day is likely one of the best things we can do to keep it in the forefront of our minds and get it deep in our hearts.

Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”

Something that struck me with this month’s key verse is how personal it is.

Isaiah 41:13 says, “For I hold you by your right hand – I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.’”

Notice how many times the words “you” or “your” are used – five times in one verse!

When we stop to pause and remember that, above all else, a relationship with Jesus is personal, it changes things. I love the imagery of the God of the universe reaching down to hold my right hand and saying to me to not be afraid and that He is here to help me. Wow.

No matter what we’re facing today, no matter what fear we’re dealing with, the Lord is near and reaching out a hand to you, to me.

I encourage you to take a few moments every day to recite Isaiah 41:13 and pause to reflect on how personal this verse is. There is no fear greater than God. There is nothing that will happen in your life or the life of your family or a dear friend that he hasn’t already seen.

As we wrap up May’s promise that God will deliver us from all fear, get this promise deep in your heart. He knows your fear, He cares deeply and He will make a way. After all, nothing surprises the Lord.

“For I hold you by your right hand – I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.’” (Isaiah 41:13)

Throughout 2024, every Monday morning by 7:00 AM, we will post a new video from Pastor Shane or an article written by a member of our staff that connects to that month’s featured promise. Learn more.