The Lighthouse Devotional (Nov 21–27, 2021)
Author: a WLCN Contributor
“No Need to Fear”
SCRIPTURE VERSE
“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” (Isa 41:10 NIV).
PERSONAL REFLECTION
Fear paralyzes, cripples, and causes elevated blood pressure and an increased heart rate. I experienced some of these symptoms when I first traveled to New York City, and no one came to meet me at the airport. I waited alone for half an hour before a friendly stranger rescued me from my fear by remaining with me even after her relatives had come to collect her.
SCRIPTURAL REFLECTION
In today’s Scripture verse, God commands His people not to fear because He is with them (cf. Matt 1:23). God’s presence with His people points to His relationship with them. He is faithful and dependable—the One who neither leaves nor forsakes them (Heb 13:5). Abraham (Gen 15:1; 17:1–2), Moses (Exod 3:12), Joshua (Josh 1:5, 9), the Apostles (Matt 28:20), and Paul (Acts 18:10) can attest to this truth.
God also commands them not to be dismayed. He is their God, and they must not worry about situations they cannot control. He has many attributes, including Almighty, Peace, Provider, Healer, Shepherd, and Protector.
God promises to strengthen His people as well. He will be with them when they are weak and feel unable to go on. He will renew their strength, and they will soar like eagles above their problems (Isa 40:31). He will help them (cf. Ps 121:1–2) so that they do not fail. He will uphold them with His “righteous right hand” to prevent them from falling. In summary, they can stand firm in all circumstances when God is present with them.
EXHORTATION
As God’s children, let us have faith and not doubt that He is with us. Let us not focus, like Peter does, on the turbulent waves around us (Matt 14:29–30); instead, let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus (Heb 12:2).
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we thank You for being with us, guiding and protecting us. Help us to trust You and to leave our cares in Your hands. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.