“I am your God!”

The God of the Bible says “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous righthand.” 

(Isaiah 41:10). This is a wonderful assurance from God to His people. You and I need to be reminded about this every day.

Many of us may be concerned about uncertainties in life. Fear and anxiety seem to have us in its grip. We must not allow fear, worry, and anxiety to control our lives. God requires that we fully trust Him, hence he declares: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God.” God says what He means and He means what He says. “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). The Christian’s part is to trust God, irrespective of the circumstances, and leave the consequences to Him. He cannot fail for He is God and He has pledged His word.

The apostle Paul reminded the Philippian Christians of the Lord’s presence and what was required of them. “The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:5-7). Note, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God.” Believers need not worry about anything. Instead, take everything to God in prayer with a grateful heart, thereby enjoying peace with God. God is always there for His children. King David said. “I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears” (Psalms 34:4).

Worry and uncertainty lead to anxiety and even depression if we are not careful. At times just a word fitly spoken by others who care can cheer us up. The Scripture says, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad” (Proverbs 12:25). We all need encouragement at some time. And we should endeavor to inspire others, especially those of God’s household. The prophet Isaiah tells us how to respond to others with anxiety. “Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you” (Isaiah 35:4). 

The Lord Jesus exhorts us: “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious about itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34). And James seems to be reinforcing what the Lord is saying. “You do not know what tomorrow will bring.” (James 4:14). Faith, hope, and trust must be in God—not in the future, which belongs entirely to Him. He will deal with whatever issues await. 

God cares and is concerned about us and whatever affects us. He invites us to “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).  When worry and anxiety, appear on our doorstep we need mercy and grace as our defense. Try “Casting all your anxieties on [God], because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

In his daily devotional, “Today Can Be Different,” Dr Harold J. Sala writes, “Have you ever considered that worry is a senseless and futile pastime that only drains your life of energy and syphons off your productivity?” And he further states, “If there is a sovereign God who directs in the affairs of His children, then we had better put our faith into practice, which means we can say, “All right, God, you take over the night shift because I am going to sleep.” (Published by Regal Books, Ventura, CA 93006). Faith is the key. As Dr Sala states, “put our faith into practice.”

Having faith in God means to recognize and trust His ability to see and guide us through any negative situation we find ourselves in. By casting all care on God allows Him to work effectively in our lives.

Didn’t God say “I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:10). God keeps his promises forever. He cannot fail or deny His word. Have faith in God.