Five Reasons to Fear Not in 2021

Last Sunday (January 3), we examined the most popular verse in 2020. According to the Bible App, YouVersion, the most looked up verse last year was Isaiah 41:10 – “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.”

           Throughout the pages of scripture, we are commanded to stop being afraid. Some commentators suggest that the directive to fear not appears in some form 365 times. That’s one “fear not” for every day of the year. God knows we struggle with fear. Therefore, He prohibits fear because it undermines faith.

           Twice in this Isaiah passage, God commands us to rid our lives of fear. He stated, “Fear not!” Then He repeated for emphasis, “Be not dismayed.”

           Yet, God didn’t command us and leave us hanging. He adds five wonderful promises to undergird His commands. Clinging to these five promises combined with obeying these two commands can make a major difference in how we live our lives this year. We can live with confidence instead of fear.

           First, fear not, for I am with you. This promise reminds me of Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Whatever you face this year, you are not alone.

           Second, fear not, for I am your God. When anxiety strikes, when fear starts creeping into your thinking, remember God and His greatness. One reason our fears are so big is because we make God too small. We forget the greatness of God. What fear do you have that makes God tremble?

           Third, fear not, for I will strengthen you. The powerful God of all strength gives you the strength to confront anything and to persevere. It’s His strength that makes the difference. God says depend on My strength, not your own.

           Fourth, fear not, for I will help you. God’s help is just a prayer away. Jeremiah 33:3 reads, “Call to me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”

           Fifth, fear not, for I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

           When fear enters your life this year, whatever comes your way and prompts feelings of fear, remember these five reasons to fear not. Let God help you confront and overcome your fear.