Fear not, and several reasons or explanation why not to fear.

Much of Isaiah's ministry was to Judah, God's people in the south of the land. And, much of it had to do with how God wanted to help them when they were in trouble. And, much of what God said through Isa is like what you see here below. In fact, God often, over, and over again presented Himself to His people as their deliverer. And, when you read the history of His actions with His people, that is exactly what He did do. He delivered them. Because He if faithful.

Please read these few short verses, and then see my comments below them.

Isa 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.’

41:11 “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.

41:12 You shall seek them and not find them-- Those who contended with you. Those who war against you Shall be as nothing, As a nonexistent thing.

41:13 For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’

41:14 “Fear not, you worm Jacob, You men of Israel! I will help

So, first of all, "Fear not" Here is something not to do says God. Do not fear. Do not dread, do not be terrified. ( In context for a moment. Judah was so plagued with threats and trouble from the Assyrians ) But, do not fear. This is a call for them as mentioned to not do something. It means it's possible from within themselves to avoid this, to decide against it, to simply get ahold of themselves and not be terrified by what they saw, heard, or even knew to be true in terms of the enemies strength. 

Secondly, the reasons and explanations start to be listed. They are as listed below.

1. I am with you. 

2. Be not dismayed, or distressed, "for I am your God"

3. I will strengthen you. 

4. Yes, I will help you.

5. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. ( A ref to Jesus Christ )

6. Their enemies would come to nothing 

( this is the fate of those who come against God's people....Notice how the Lord describes this. He says, they shall be ashamed, and disgraced, they shall be as nothing, they shall perish. You will not be able to find them, they will be as a non-existent thing )

7. I will hold your right hand. 

8. I will speak to you again, saying "fear not, I will help you" 

9. I will help. 

So, for all these reasons and many, many more, we can "fear not" Our enemies may be different then what Judah faced. But, God has not changed, and our tendency to fear has not. Faith is the same now as then, and God's promises are just as sure today as they ever were. And today's enemies, the enemies of God's people will be dealt with just like He dealt with them all through the Biblical record. It's a fact that can bring great comfort. 

Blessings of grace to you. 

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chapel Visalia.