A Hundred Times

by Heather Tietz

Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.

Isaiah 41:10

“Fear not!”

Angels began their messages with it.

Jesus encouraged His disciples with it. God the Father continually spoke it over the frightened Israelites. “Don’t be afraid!” It is written a hundredfold in the Bible. God does not want us to be a people bothered by fears.

Does fear affect your choices?

Does it stand like a monster between you and good plans, good deeds, good things? Perhaps if you could just hear an authoritative, heavenly voice tell you not fear, then you could truly take those words to heart.

The Israelites and the disciples, both people who saw God’s power at hand, still needed those words to be repeated over and over again. They needed reminders. Perhaps you need them too.

Help yourself. Tie a string on your finger. Hang the words on your wall. Post them on your dashboard. Tuck them into your pocket. Stop being afraid. God is! God knows! God cares! God has a plan. You CAN cease your fretting and start trusting.

Pray

Dear Jesus,
I am so thankful that You are with me.
Help me to hear Your voice telling me not to fear.
Thank You for Your precious promises.
I pray in Your Name, Amen.