The Antidote to Fear

by Dr. Chuck Jarvis, Pastor

Valley View Community Church

Isaiah 41:10 is a verse of Scripture I have committed to heart and used for encouragement over the years, especially during times of uncertainty and hardship. God, through the prophet Isaiah, says to the people of the nation of Israel, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

The context of this verse addresses the fearful attacks Israel faced at the hands of the nations of Assyria and Babylon. The verses that follow, however, promise the judgment that God would eventually mete out on these nations despite their seeming success in conquering God’s people. “Behold, all those who were incensed against you shall be ashamed and disgraced; they shall be as nothing, and those who strive with you shall perish. You shall seek them and not find them, those who contended with you. Those who war against you shall be as nothing, as a non-existent thing. For I, the Lord Your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’” (Isaiah 41:11-13).

While the historical context is the people of God, Israel, the promise can also be claimed by the people of God, the church of the New Testament. We are the children of God too if we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior. “Behold what manner of love the Father (God) has bestowed upon us that we should be called the children of God!” (I John 3:1). We may not be facing the imminent attacks of hostile nations, but we do face other “enemies” that seek to detract us from our faith and diminish our confidence in God.

I’m thinking particularly of the coronavirus pandemic we find ourselves in right now. While there is much confusion and uncertainty causing great fear on the part of many, we must never loose sight of the certain promises of God found in His Word that He will never leave us nor forsake us. He loves us with an immense love ultimately confirmed by the giving of His Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins.

Remember the words of our Savior when the fears of abandonment came over his disciples as Jesus spoke of His departure, ultimately to go to the cross of Calvary, “Let not your heart be troubled”, He told them, “you believe in God, believe also in Me.” (John 14:1). Trust the Lord. Put your faith in Him. Ask Him to calm your heart if you are distracted or even overcome with fear in these times. “… and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7).