The memory verse for this week is Isaiah 41:10.
Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will also help you, I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
What words come to mind when you describe being afraid? Cold? Dark? Foreboding? Alone?
Everyone has experienced these physical and emotional reactions in times of fear.
When committed followers of Jesus experience fearful moments we often add guilt to the litany of adverse responses. Why guilt?
Because devoted believers know that to be afraid is opposed to what we have been taught in scripture.
But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You;
Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them;
Let those also who love Your name
Be joyful in You.
Psalm 5:11
Now this is not to say that all fear is bad. Certainly, fear that warns us of danger is not sinful. And of course, believers should have reverential fear (awe) of God.
But to be consumed by fear, dread or to have a spirit of fear is wrong. A spirit of fear is the opposite of having the fruit of the Spirit.
Our hope and faith are in Jesus.
When you have time, read three verses about fear from Job, Matthew and 1 John.
God is rich in mercy and love. He knows our weaknesses. If you struggle with fear and dread, the Spirit of God can help to set you free. (Hebrews 4:15)
As I have grown in the grace God has given to me, I have come to know His perfect peace more and more. God’s Word is filled with reassurance for His sons and daughters.
Believers know the story of Isaiah, the prophet of God. He was fully dedicated to the Lord. Isaiah faced many fearsome trials. Despite being tempted to fear, Isaiah was courageous. He relied wholly on God’s character to help him complete his calling.
Let’s explore this meaningful verse. The Spirit teaches us how to find peace with God in times when we’re afraid.
Compare the memory verse with similar passages linked below.
Do not fear (Luke 12:32)
for I am with you (Deuteronomy 31:6-8)
Do not be afraid (Matthew 28:10)
for I am your God (Isaiah 43:11)
I will strengthen you (2 Corinthians 12:9) (Philippians 4:7)
I will also help you (Psalm 121: 1 & 2)
I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand. (Hebrews 6:17-18)
Because God is perfect in righteousness, we can trust Him to keep us.
What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
Psalm 56:3-4
Share the Good News in your world!
Isaiah 52:7
New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Statement of Faith
Getting the Seed out of the basket and into hungry hearts. Matthew 13 