In the midst of a failing economy, declining morals, and a world under attack, it seems there is much to fear. It’s easy not to give into worry and despair. Perhaps that’s where you find yourself today. You can’t help but speculate if things will get better for your family, your ministry, and our world. On top of that you wonder if anybody understands your personal anxieties. God does.
God knows exactly what concerns you. He knows your pressures and your stress. The Lord plans to use those things to strengthen you for a brighter future. In the meantime, you and I find freedom from fear by relying on God’s support. What better support do we have then that found in Isaiah 41:10.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
In this verse, God offers five reasons not to fear by providing us with five pillars of support.
Fear not . . . “I Am with you”
Fear not . . . “I Am your God”
Fear not . . . “I will strengthen you”
Fear not . . . “I will help you”
Fear not . . . “I will uphold you.”
These truths assure us that God is not distant, too busy, or absorbed by other challenges. No. He’s aware of our anxieties and has given us His promised Presence to see us through.
Therefore, the next time panic tempts to stretch your faith beyond what you think you can bear, rely on God’s support. His truths provide the strength and stability you need to do more than conquer your fears. It will empower your faith.
Leave a comment and enter to win a copy of my book, An Untroubled Heart!
Kim Huffman says
Isaiah 41:10 has proven to be true in my life! He has held me up in times I just knew I would fall. Glory to His Name!
Micca says
glory to His Name, indeed!! thanks for your testimony!
Emily Pyatt says
So true for me today. My husband and I are going through a hard financial time. We are in a place that we never thought we would be in. I am a proud person and it takes a lot for me to ask for help. This has reminded me to rely on God and not myself or other people. Thank you so much!
Micca says
Dear Emily, I know financially hard times are tough. Thankfully, God is our Provider. I’m asking him to provide for you and your husband.
Susan says
Thank you for the encouragement. I’m trying to prepare myself for empty nest in a couple of months, so I will keep this passage. My family has been through so much the past few years that I’ve felt I just can’t handle another change. I taught our three boys at home from kindergarten through high school, and now am not sure what God wants me to do. But the past couple of days He has encouraged me with Ephesians 2:10. I believe He created me for good works, and those good works do not end at empty nest. I will also choose to remember: He is with me. He is my God. He will strengthen me. He will help me. He will uphold me.
Thanks again. BTW, I enjoy following you on FB. God bless.
Micca says
Susan, Becoming an empty nester is trying. But God… He’s moving you into a new season of life. Look forward to the journey!
So glad for your follow!
Paula Jackson Jones says
I have been through a great deal of suffering in my life time but the most difficult and most painful parts were the times when I took my eyes off of GOD, when I doubted His power in my circumstances. He has proven to me time and time again since then that I have nothing to fear and that He is always with me. I choose now to focus on Him at all times and pay no mind to the waters that rage and the winds that howl ~ for I know who has me in His hands.
Col 3:2 ESV ~
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
Psalm 27:1 NKJV ~
The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
Micca says
Wonderful testimony and verses!!
Mary Tullila says
As a suicide loss widow…thank you for this reminder today..
Do not FEAR…He is WITH me.
Micca says
Mary, He is with you, in you, around you, beside you, behind you and in front of you. Keep following him!!
Linda Schoch says
I love that Peter also tells us to cast our cares on HIM.
Micca says
Linda, I love 1 Peter 5:7. It’s good advice!! Works, too!
Karen Stephens says
Looks like an interesting book to read.
Micca says
Thank you!
Brenda Schiesser says
As a previous victim of panic attacks, I know that without Jesus they would return. I spent way too many years fighting the anxiety, fear and panic to go back. I totally trust that Jesus is in control of my life and without Him, I am powerless over all the fearful emotions that my mind can conjure up. I would love to win your book. Thanks for the chance.
Micca says
Wow! What a powerful testimony. Your words offer hope to many.
Trish says
I’m praying fear away today…I want to cling to Jesus and wait on HIM!!!
Micca says
There is no better place than holding tight to Jesus! Praying peace over you today.
amber owens says
Lost my husband a year ago in a car accident. I have two children and at times I feel I have reached my limit. Its always nice to be reminded that I am not alone and His love is unending.
Micca says
Dear Amber, I’m so sorry for your loss. I know your pain and heartache. So does God. He has promised you His love, care and a bright future. Hang on, friend. Praying for you today.
Karen says
Thanks for the encouraging words! While my husband and I are facing some real challenges, it is good to be reminded to not allow fear to creep in. He is in control! Giving thanks for when life is sweet and also when life is a little bitter. Blessings!
Micca says
Dear Karen, I’m praying for your challenges today.
Sherry Goneau says
My faith is low. I read the words you write and wish that I could find the faith to believe. Thank you for your ministry.
Micca says
Dear Sherry, when my faith is low I try and remember God’s faithfulness in the past. I’m certain you can recall a time when God came through for you. He wants to do that now. Ask Him to make Himself real to you. Praying, my friend.
Andrea Pendergraff says
Would love to win the book. Have been following you for a short while now and it has been inspiring!
Micca says
Thanks for the follow, Andrea! Glad God is using my blog to bless you!
Sharon Pearce says
One of my favorite verses fround in Psalms is: What time I am afraid I will trust in Thee. (Psalm 56:3)
Micca says
Me, too!
Donna Godfrey says
I would love to win this for my daughter. She made some very bad choices and is in prison but God has been faithful and she is using this time to deepen her faith….she needs the “Fear not” pillars!
Micca says
Dear Donna, We all make bad choices. Praise God He is our redeemer. I’m praying for God to use this time to create a trusting and loving relationship between Him and your daughter. .. and peace for mom, too. Micca
Sonya Glaze says
Thank you for the giveaway!
Micca says
You’re welcome! Good luck!
Josie says
I would love to give a copy of this to my mom. She always told me that satan is the king of fear and to send him packing. Right now my mom is fighting for her life from cervical cancer. 6 years ago she had cervical cancer and on her 5 year free they found it in her lungs. After removing it and undergoing treatment and being told she was cancer free, the cancer has struck her for a third time. This time it is in her brain, liver, remaining lungs and adrenal glands. She has just completed a third round of radiation and is undergoing chemo again, but she refuses to give satan the victory by giving in to fear. She has so much faith in her healing and I feel so proud to have been born from her and admire her faithfulness and strength every time I look at her tiny frail frame and beautiful bald head. She doesn’t fret the small things, I don’t think she is even scared to die. She can only whisper at times and shakes so terribly, but when I put my head in her lap and sob, she just keeps proclaiming that by HIS stripes she has been healed. Even my dad is suffering so badly. He has always been a mans man, but a true man of God and yet I have watched him change. He just cries and questions God. My dad, who has always been such a strong Christian. I feel like I am losing both parents at one time and at times it feel like I am falling further away from God. Sorry I used your page to say so much. This is the first time I have fully shared the entire story. Maybe I’m the one that needs the book, because my fear is overwhelming. It seems like I have to send satan packing every single day. How was I born to such a strong woman, yet I am so weak? Please send prayers across for our family and thank you in advance. ~ Josie
Micca says
Dear Josie, I’m so sorry to read about your mom and dad. Remember, God is in control. He sees each of you and loves you beyond measure. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. Micca
Angie says
Blessedly perfect timing in my little world, Micca. Tomorrow is my annual review at work, which always sends me into an irrational spiral of panic. I am also — and I confess my embarrassment at this one — working hard on not being afraid of hurricane season after Hurricanes Irene and Sandy savaged my area. Thank you for these words fitly spoken (and also the giveaway).
Sheila says
Hi Micca, thank you so much for writing about fear and shining the light of gods truth into those dark corners that doubt and anxiety create. Those feelings that can make us feel isolated and sometimes like we are suffocating in the what ifs. Once we Know God and his promises then we can trust him. We can trust in his sovereignty and his providence. He is in control and he has a plan regardless of our circumstances, resources and reasoning.
I’m standing on the promises of God.
Barbara Abdallah says
God bless you I needing that this morning that is exactly where I am at I lost my job in April 2013 my manager wanted me to do something that I knew was wrong and as a result it cost me my job had to apply for Unemployment and have not found anything. I always had a dream and vision to start my own business and I am working toward that I hit some bumps along the way but I am not going to let that stop me there is so much to say it has been a long road for me and I know God will see me through those times I know he is using those troubles to straightening me. Thank you for your words of wisdom.
Mary T says
Good morning Micca! Isaiah 41:10 hangs in my bathroom, where I can see it each morning as I look into the mirror! I hold this verse close to my heart, God’s promise to me that I am never alone, He is always with me! The Lord is my strength! Thank you for the beautiful way you presented His Words as 5 Pillars of Support! God bless!
Rebeccah says
Hi Micca, I find it comforting when I realize that I am not along in my stresses and problems…that God is with me…that He KNOWS me better than I do ….and when I can remember, I can place the situation on the altar and trust that He will help me with it…As a christian since the age of 9, my head knew this stuff, but it has only been in the past three years that my heart has realized and grasped the thought that I am not alone and God who is all powerful and knows all is there walking beside me as well as living within me and is interested in me …
Carol says
Micca – So true and beautifully spoken. Thank you for all your encouragement!
Tosha says
I am never alone…thank you Jesus! Thank you for the reminder, as a person who struggles with the fear of refection, anxieties, and self esteem. I realize the more I speak his word over the my life…the less fear has a grip on me….and my Faith in who Jesus says I am become my reality. Thank you!
Barb says
Micca,
Thank you for sharing this! I struggle with much fear that has kept me from moving forward in my life. Your presentation of scripture has encouraged me today! His timing is always perfect!
Cindy H in Texas says
Somehow, I missed this post yesterday, but read it this morning and it is just what I needed to hear, um read…
Thank you 🙂
Marguerite says
I remember when my eyes ‘sparkled’ like yours…and I’m hoping the Lord will help that return as I keep trusting Him in all ways as I get through all that has come at me now. Thank you for your insightful words of encouragement!
Courtney says
Micca, thank you so much for reminding me of God’s promises! I also love Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
These promises have helped me through a trying year. I’ve only been married 20 months and this year has tested my marriage. It also showed me that God has given me a man that is after His own heart. At the age of 30, with no children, I had a hysterectomy about 8 weeks ago. I think I am still in the grieving process of never being a birth mother. I have suffered with endometriosis and PCOS for 10 years. My husband said she couldn’t watch me suffer and hurt any longer. Plus, I only have a 30% carry to term rate if I conceived. In addition to this, we move 10 hours from our families almost a year ago. I went from working and family, to staying at home. I had so much time to think and I let negative chatter set in. I attempted suicide in January, but by the grace of God, I survived. This was my third attempt in 14 years. I know God has a plan for my life! I’ve suffered so many heartbreaks. It’s sad to say my father was the first man to break my heart. He left my mother when I was 6 weeks old to be with another woman. My mother passed away from cancer when I was 11. While she was in the hospital dying, my father was bringing a new life in the world with the woman he left my mother for. This plays a role in my marriage today because I get scared my husband my turn into my dad; especially with my health issues. Now my doctor is suggesting I get tested for the breast cancer gene because my mother died from breast cancer. I’m thinking great! First no kids, and now maybe no breast! My husband is so loving and so encouraging, yet I’m still insecure because of my father. I know my father loves me, but he never really expresses it. Whereas, my husband does. It scares me! I love it and scared me my see all my flaws and stop. But one thing is certain, if he does I have the everlasting God. His promises ease my weary heart.
Sorry for the long post! I needed to be vulnerable this morning. 🙂
Moriah says
God is just now putting me through a time where I must overcome my fears, but I know that I don’t have to do it alone. Thank you for your words of encouragement! The timing of these words is definitely a God thing!
christina groves says
i love that verse!!! I love how u broke it up for us.
u made it even simpler to see the 5 ways God will help you to not fear.
personally, I had a fear moment yesterday when I stepped on my broken leg/ankle and I am not suppose to bear weight. I am hoping I cna walk on it aug 13 tuesday. I scared myself when I stood on it and it hurt. i dislike the uncertaintly of the healing time 4 – 6 weeks of no weight bearing and could take 3 – 6 months to totally heal. I am a mom of a 5th grader who I have to get to school. I have things to do at the house. how do i do my job??!! this brake and recovery time is so inconvient. yes I do need to not fear and give the time to getting better to God.. I just love to control everything and plan. I am standing on that verse today. i will memorize it and i will not fear.
Missy B says
Thanks for the reminder with the five reasons not to fear. My biggest fear issues right now is financial strain at our church where my husband is pastoring is a heavy burden on his shoulders which I see and feel as well and this strain sometimes means no paycheck for the staff-big fear. 2nd big fear comes with health issues and just the unknown since both my parents were diagnosed with cancer. I find myself quoting the verse God does not give us the spirit of fear but of power, love and self control – but yet I still feel scared and fearful. How do you get passed the feeling of being scared and fearful?
Donald says
This email message has blessed me today
Mary says
I love how God repeats fear not over and over. While I love this passage for years I have claimed Joshua 1:9 where God reminds Joshua not only that He is with him but that God will uphold him with God’s strong right hand. I passed your blog on to my daughter who is really struggling in many areas of her life right now. I try to trust God in the face of it all for her and my grandkids, as well as for my hubby and self. God’s faithfulness through the years and practicing gratitude helps a lot. Thanks for this reminder in a world that seems truly to be turning upside down in so many ways. Would love to have your book to read and share.
Marge says
Thanks for pointing out that there are 5 reasons to trust God – I’ve actually never noticed that before and it makes the verse even more special for me.
Cathy says
I am going to put that on my chalkboard in the kitchen, so I can remind myself of that everyday! Thanks!
Darlene Dunlap says
Thank you for this email, I need it. I am dealing with a lot and trying my best to remember God is in control and no matter what I will be okay. My husband ‘s liver is failing, will need a liver transplant sometime in the future. My youngest son is having problems, he seems to have problems with keeping a job, always finds excuses. He is sleeping on my mom’s couch, because he is homeless. His dad has a mental illness and I fear so does my son. My son and my husband do not get along, I think “hate” is a good word to use. I feel stuck, I believe I have to listen to my husband and respect his decisions about my son, but I am a mother and love my son, so I really have to trust God to take care of all of it. Sometimes, the fear and panic overwhelms me, I panic, its difficult to handle. Recently my youngest son joined the military, which will be great for him, but has injured his back and now is danger of being discharged. I am not sure if he is not sabotaging himself once again. Anyway, thanks for the message.
Anna says
Thank You Micca, this was great devotion, love the verse, I wrote it in my journal. It comes at a time when my husband and I are in a hard journey with our teen daughter who is 17. I love knowing I dont have to fear for Our Lord is with us, will strengthen us, hold us up, and He is God, and knows everything that is happening and what the outcome is. I start to feel anxious now and then, and wonder why she is doing what she is doing, what can happen to her, i could go on and on, but I have to stop and remember Our Lord is in control, this battle is his and he will never leave us…AMEN
God Bless You
Anna
Halona Luna says
What a blessing! I would love to win this to unburdened my heart.
Kim B. says
LOVED this Micca & sooo needed this reminder today! I always tell myself that FEAR= Faith Ends And Retreats. I can’t be fearful & faithful at the same time!
Kathy says
Wonderful post to realize we need to focus on our faith and not fear. God is faithful and will always be with us, no matter what! I am secure in His love for He first loved me. His provision of Jesus to bring me into His kingdom is a wonderful fact yet a mystery that keeps me reading His Word to discern more of His ways and will. Thank you for such an uplifting boost to my faith.
Julia says
Wow, I really needed to hear this. I need to focus on my faith, not my feelings.
Michelle says
Oh how I needed to read this. My husband and had an argument last night that leaves worried about our future together and I kept on asking God to give us peace. This came right on time for me to remember that God is in control no matter what me feelings said. Thank you so much.
Becky M says
Thanks for these words. Anxiety is overwhelming tonight — fear of losing my sight, fear of failing in what seems to be a hundred different ways, fear of . . . I needed to hear a few “fear nots” from my Lord. Thank you.
Michelle says
Thank you for reminding me that God is with me and He will strengthen me, uphold me and help me during this season and always.
Kristin says
Thank you for your beautiful and inspiring words. Here’s another verse that I have turned to when I sense fear creeping in…
“Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. ” 1 John 4:18
Jen L. says
Thank you for your reminders of the truth, that God is there with me during this challenging season of life.
LuAnn says
Thank you for reminding me that Im not alone in the struggle with fear and anxiety, I actually have Isaiah 41:10 wrote down on a card I carry in my purse and read when I feel the fear trying to come in. Praise be to God whom all good things come from.