“Do Not Be Afraid, for I Am With You”

When a verse pops into my mind that feels particularly relevant to my mood or situation, I’ll sometimes turn to it in the Bible and read the whole chapter that contains the verse. A few days ago the famous “See, I am doing a new thing” verse rose to the front of my thoughts. I paged to Isaiah 43. What a rich and powerful chapter of scripture! It blessed me and so I thought I’d share snippets of it here, in case its promises encourage you today, too.

Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name

Isaiah 43:1

Redeem means “to gain possession of something in exchange for payment.” He has paid for our freedom, delivering us from separation from Him, our mistakes, our shame. And now, that done, He’s summoning you by name. Our God is sacrificial and more personal than we can fathom.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.

Isaiah 43:2

You might feel like you’re drowning in worries, busyness, demands, stress. However, the water will not sweep over you. You will pass through. Because He is with you there, in the swirling and scary current.

When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…

Isaiah 43:2-3

You might feel like you’re burning with grief, pain, anger, sickness. But the flames will not consume you for He is protecting you. And He is Lord. God. The Holy One of Israel. Savior.

I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you…

Isaiah 43:3-4

He has given much for you. In Jesus, He gave for you what was most valued and treasured. Let the following truths soak in today…. In His eyes, you are precious and honored. He loves you. He loves you.

Do not be afraid, for I am with you…

Isaiah 43:5

Many things might be stirring fear in you in this season but He gently encourages you not to be afraid. He offers peace and rest for your soul. He can do that because (praise of praise) you are not alone. You have Him. And if you have Him you have everything.

‘You are my witnesses,’ declares the Lord, ‘that I am God. Yes, and from ancient days I am he. No one can deliver out of my hand.’

Isaiah 43:12-13

A witness is one who “gives evidence” regarding what they saw and experienced. Imagine God entrusting us with this role! He has a calling for you, a unique way for you to serve and praise Him. As you dedicate yourself to that, He assures you that no one can deliver you from His hand. You will remain in His grip.

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.

Isaiah 43:18

I typically think of the verse that follows this one (v. 19) as a stand-alone. But this verse (v. 18) that comes immediately before it sheds so much context. It’s wonderful to remember the blessings of the past but if we grip them too tightly, we’re rendered motionless. Conversely, we can get stuck on things in the past that didn’t go our way. Disappointments, hurt pride, betrayal, grudges. Gripping those can render us motionless, too.

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.

Isaiah 43:19

You can be sure that the Lord is not standing still. He is living and active. He is on the move, even at this very moment. Once you’ve set aside what has gone before, entrusting all of it to Him, you’ll be ready to see the new thing the Lord is doing. He is making ways in the desert for you. He is making streams in the wasteland. Do you perceive them? Because whether you do or you don’t, they are there. Waiting.

The Lord spoke to me through this chapter and especially verse 18! Did any of these verses minister to you? If so, which one?