In Isaiah 41:10 we find a well-known verse that we like to quote in times when we need encouragement or strength. The verse goes like this:
Do not fear, because I am with you. Do not be afraid, because I am your God. I will strengthen you, and I will also help you. I will also uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
(Isaiah 41:10, Reina Valera Updated version 2015)
What comforting words! Thinking that we have God’s company and help in our most difficult moments does make a difference. How much encouragement and how much peace!
Who has not felt fear at some point? There are many situations that intimidate us a little and make us feel insecure. But when we remember that our Father is with us sustaining us, our attitude changes. Knowing that we have his help and his company gives us courage and strength to face the challenges that life presents us.
However, this verse was written by the prophet Isaiah in the midst of a specific situation facing the people of Judah. Let’s see a little of the context to know what it was about.
Brief historical context
The book of Isaiah is divided into two main parts. The first chapters (from 1 to 39), focus mainly on warning about the judgment of God that would come on Judah and Jerusalem as a consequence of his rebellion and sin (Isaiah 1: 1-4). Chapters 40 to 66 emphasize the comfort they would receive from God. Chapter 40 begins precisely with the following words:
“Comfort, comfort my people!
says his God.
(Isaiah 40:1).
God’s comforting word to his people, a section in which we find chapter 41, was a prophetic word of deliverance. The people would not remain in captivity forever. In due course, God was going to deliver them from Babylonian rule. They could live with that certainty and hope.
We must keep in mind that since it was a prophecy, that would happen a long time later. It would be many years before they could see its fulfillment. However, the people already had the prophecy and could cling confidently to it. They could renew their strength by remembering that word of comfort in the most difficult moments, certain that their captivity would come to an end.
Isaiah 41
We could say that in the 41st chapter of Isaiah three important themes are expressed. The first few verses talk about the power and eternity of God and his care for his people. Then, from verse 8 to 20, we find words of encouragement from God to them. From verse 21 onward, Isaiah talks about how incongruous it is to worship idols or other gods.
It is within the second section with words of encouragement that we find verse 10. God commanded his people not to fear: “Fear not.” How not to fear living captive and in the midst of so much idolatry? Easy! God assured them that he would be with them, he would not leave them alone. If the people concentrated on the presence of the almighty God at their side, they would have nothing to fear. In verse 4 God reminded them of his power and the fact that, unlike false gods, he never changes. He has been, is and will be just as powerful for all eternity. They could be sure of that!
Who did this? Who made it possible? Who called the generations from the beginning? I, the Lord, am the first, and I will be the same to the end.
(Isaiah 41:4)
Knowing that God does not change gives us peace and security. And that peace that comes from God frees us from fear. Knowing what God did in the past fills us with hope about the future. He protected us, helped us, guided us and will do it again. That is the people’s confidence in him!
We also see clearly in verses 17-20, God’s great love, compassion and care for his people and for the poor and needy.
The poor and the needy look for water, but do not find it; thirst has dried up their tongues. But I, the Lord, will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake you. I will cause rivers to flow on the arid peaks, and springs in the valleys. I will transform the desert into pools of water, and the dry land into springs. I will plant cedars, acacias, myrtle and olive trees in the desert; in arid lands I will plant cypresses, along with pines and firs, so that the people may see and know, and consider and understand, that the hand of the Lord has done this, that the Holy One of Israel has created it.
(Isaiah 41:17-20)
The Lord miraculously responds to their cry. The provision of water in the desert and the sprouting of trees in arid lands are signs of the great power of God. Nothing is impossible for him! God listens to the prayers of those in need and acts even in the midst of the most tense and difficult situations. He does it out of love and he also does it to spread his name throughout the earth. God is glorified and his power is evident to all.
So the mighty God who can make a desert have enough water and fruit, is the God who extends his hand to us. He offers us the right hand of his righteousness so that we may stand. Holding on to what we know about him from his Word and what he has done in our lives, we can live confidently and fearlessly. Our strength and our safety are in him!
Another 10 “Fear Not” Verses
Isaiah 41:12-13
Even if you look for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who make war on you will be like nothing, as if they didn’t exist. For I am the Lord your God, who holds your right hand; I am the one who tells you: “Don’t be afraid, I will help you”.
(Isaiah 41:12-13)
Genesis 15:1
After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, and very great will be your reward.”
(Genesis 15:1)
Josue 1: 9
Have I not commanded you to be strong and brave? Do not be afraid or dismayed, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
(Joshua 1:9, Reina Valera Updated- RVA 2015)
Joshua 8:1
The LORD said to Joshua: Do not be afraid or dismayed. Take with you all the people of war, rise up and go up against Ai. Behold, I have delivered into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land.
(Joshua 8:1, Reina Valera Updated- RVA 2015)
2 Chronicles 32:7-8
Be strong and be brave; do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and before all the multitude that comes with him; because more powerful is he who is with us than he who is with him. With him is an arm of flesh; but the LORD our God is with us to help us and to fight our battles.
(2 Chronicles 32:7-8, Reina Valera Updated- RVA 2015)
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and brave. Do not fear or be frightened before those nations, because the Lord his God will always accompany you; he will never leave you or forsake you.
(Deuteronomy 31:6)
Deuteronomy 31:8
The Lord himself will go before you and be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.
(Deuteronomy 31:8)
Matthew 10:29-31
Aren’t two sparrows sold for a coin? However, not one of them will fall to the ground without the Father’s permission; and he counts even the hairs of your head for you. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
(Matthew 10:29-31)
Psalm 27:1-3
The Lord is my light and my salvation; who will I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life; who can frighten me?
When the wicked advance against me to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and adversaries attack me, it is they who stumble and fall.
Even when an army besieges me, my heart will not fear;
Even when a war breaks out against me, I will keep the trust.
(Psalm 27:1-3)
Isaiah 35:3-4
Strengthen weak hands, steady trembling knees; say to those with fearful hearts: “Be strong, do not be afraid. Your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save them ».
(Isaiah 35:3-4)
Other articles that may interest you: