Responding to Fear – Morning Devotional from Isaiah 43

Isaiah 43 Devotional
Responding to Fear
Pastor Calvin Cook
March 18, 2025

Key Verse: “Fear not, for I am with you.” (Isaiah 43:5)

What are you afraid of? Our thoughts turn to creepy and crawlies, maybe noises in the night, certainly the fear of the unknown. Those things we can’t think about or imagine.

I remember when my two older nephews were just in the formation of life, opinions and everything associated with being a 4- and 5-year-old. One had convinced the other that there were monsters in one of the rooms. Armed with pancake turners and fly swatters we went on a monster hunt. Looking and searching diligently into the dark depths of the clothe closet, under the bed, in the blanket chest – it was decided that there were no monsters. I remember the younger of the two exclaiming to his Grandma, “Mom, there are no monsters here!”

During some tense times when John F. Kennedy was President of the US, he stood before the American people and the nation and said, “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” I realize that fear is real and that there are some fears that need to be addressed. But we must be careful that we do not allow the fears that others are creating as a state of being to control our soul and the hope that we have or should have in the presence of Jesus.

Do you remember the words of David when the giant Goliath was facing him down, taunting him on the battlefield; “David said to Goliath, “You are coming to fight against me with a sword, a spear and a javelin. But I’m coming against you in the name of the Lord who rules over all.”* Where most of us would have been shaking in our shoes even planning our exit or retreat, – David knew, experienced, and received the presence of the God most high. David called out Goliath and stood on a firm foundation; “He is the God of the armies of Israel. He’s the one you have dared to fight against.” (*1 Samuel 17:45)

I am not diminishing fear, but I also do not want to become so afraid that we can’t see, feel, or experience the presence of God. The presence of God in the midst of everything. God reassures us of His presence as He gathers His people. Through Jesus, we see this promise fulfilled. He is Emmanuel, “God with us,” and His Spirit remains with us today (Matthew 28:20). This assurance empowers us to trust Him even in uncertainty.

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where fear holds you back? Bring them to Jesus, trusting in His presence and purpose.