The Valley

Fear shows its face in a lot of ugly ways. It distorts the way we view the future and the past. It creates worst-case scenarios in our minds and builds walls around our hearts.

Fear is a tool of the enemy. But God reminds us again and again that we have no reason to buy into fear’s lies.

In the book of Isaiah, the prophet warns Israel that their rebellion has consequences. Yet, hope is woven through this book: hope for Jerusalem, hope for the nations, hope in God’s promises, and hope in the coming King.

This hope is the reason that, as God’s children, we do not have to be afraid.

Sure, the world gives us reasons to fear. A glimpse at our world right now reveals an abundance of division, pain, and injustice. But to cower in fear is to ignore the hope Jesus brought us when He died on the cross and rose again. Jesus defeated death. If the One who conquered the grave is on our side, what do we have to fear?

The book of Isaiah contains scathing words about God’s judgment, but the contrasting words of hope and mercy are an inseparable piece of the story. In Isaiah 43, God tells the people of Israel that He has redeemed them and called them by name and will be with them always. He tells them not to fear when they pass through rivers or walk through fire, because He loves them.

These same words apply to us today, if we have put our trust in Jesus. We do not have to be afraid. No matter what happens, God is with us. He has restored us and adopted us into His family. He loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die for us.

And with the Savior of the world on our side, and the power of His Holy Spirit inside us, we can replace the fear in our lives with hope in His promises. • Becca Wierwille

• In what parts of your life do you experience the most fear?

• Write down things you are afraid of, and then compare them to what God says in His word.

• What steps can you take to begin to replace those fears with hope in God’s promises?

But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.†Isaiah 43:1 (NIV)

Read Verses:

Ezekiel 37:1-14; Romans 8:10-11