FDR famously said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Inspiring words! But they’re just words, a pep talk. Is a pep talk the best someone can offer you to calm your fears today? God says, “Do not fear, for I am with you. … I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

God promises to uphold you with his hand. That hand flung the stars into the sky and carved out the ocean beds. For love’s sake, God let that hand become a human hand so that nails could be pounded into it and he could die on a cross for you. But the hand that upholds you also grabbed the doorway of his tomb as he stepped out of the grave. And that hand is still raised in blessing since he ascended into heaven. 

Why does God say, “Do not fear”? Not because he has taken away every frightening thing but because he wishes to give you strength to bear whatever may come. The strength to say, “Your will be done” every day. The strength to call “good” whatever comes from his hand. The strength to know that God has the strength to do even more than we ask or imagine … and will. God doesn’t say, “Don’t be afraid; you can do it.” Instead your God says, “Do not fear; I am with you.” This is not just a pep talk.