Fear not… for the Lord your God is with you!

By Helen Jesze, 15^th January 2021

This is such a wonderful Bible verse to read and meditate on, at the beginning of a new year. God says to us we should not fear, but we should not even be dismayed. I looked in the Universal Dictionary to see the meaning of these two states of mind or emotion, as they seem so similar, but if God’s Word gives us both of them, he must see a difference, and find it important to mention it.

The meaning of “Fear”:
“A feeling of alarm caused by the expectation of danger, pain, disaster, terror and dread”.

The meaning of “to be dismayed”:
To be filled with dread or apprehension; to be made anxious or afraid; to be discouraged or greatly troubled; to be disheartened”.

Studying these, I have come to the conclusion that “to be dismayed” is rather like the doorway to fear. It is somewhat weaker than actual “fear”, but if not dealt with and put out of our hearts and minds, it can lead to full-blown fear.

God gives us the reason why we can learn to live without fear – and I am still learning! – because he promises to be with us! He reminds us who he is – our God, not even just a human being, but the God above all gods and circumstances.

He then promises to strengthen and help us. We are confronted with so many things that would make us afraid or dismayed, and especially at the beginning of 2021, we are looking for many answers. Fear makes us weak and God says here he will give us new strength, and uphold us with his right hand.

When people are righthanded, this hand is used the most, so has developed stronger muscles. God is the almighty One, yet even here, he promises to not just support us now and again, but to uphold us. In the Middle Ages, a knight would wear his sword on his left side, so he could swiftly draw it out of its sheath with his right hand, to defend his lady, when danger drew near. Our Heavenly Knight, King Jesus our Saviour, is also always ready to defend or rescue us from danger.

God’s right hand is not just stronger but also “righteous”. He will plead and defend our cause in a righteous, just manner, when we are falsely accused, and fight on our behalf. So, be encouraged with this simple devotional, that you do not have to fearfully face your future alone, but the GREATER ONE is in and with you.

Here is a little poem George and I wrote years ago, when we were thinking of the future.

LIVE IN THE NOW!

I do not need to know the future that lies before me, Or the details far ahead;
I just need to know the next step to take – The next thing that waits to be done.
The unborn years that beckon in the distance Are not mine to approach today.
I was created to live in the NOW, not in the future or yesterday.
The knowledge of what tomorrow holds Would be burdensome for me;
And if through impatience, fear or curiosity I seek to discover it,
I shall only be marred.

As the sand falls a grain at a time in the glass, So will I live my life
With its millions of seconds in a year – Steadily, one at a time.
As the car head-lights beam on the road Showing the next few feet,
So will the lamp of his Word light my path, Cheering, directing, warning of danger.

Finding his plan and will, and laying down earthly ambition
I will pray, work, obey his Word, cast Fear aside, Trusting, as he lives his life –
Through me!