What similar messages of reassurance are found elsewhere in the Bible? God’s Reassuring Word in Isaiah 7:4 “Calm down and be quiet. Do not fear or be fainthearted…” (Isaiah 7:4). The LORD tells King Ahaz that the threats he dreads are no more than “two smoldering stubs of firebrands.” The same steadying voice echoes across Scripture. Echoes of “Do Not Fear” in the Old Testament • Genesis 15:1 — “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” • Exodus 14:13 — “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation.” • Deuteronomy 31:6 — “Be strong and courageous… He will never leave you nor forsake you.” • Joshua 1:9 — “Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” • Psalm 46:1-2 — “God is our refuge and strength… therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed.” • Psalm 91:5-6 — “You will not fear the terror of the night… nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness.” • Isaiah 41:10 — “Do not fear, for I am with you… I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” • Jeremiah 1:8 — “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you.” • Zephaniah 3:16-17 — “Do not fear, O Zion… The LORD your God is among you, a warrior who saves.” Jesus Continues the Reassurance • Matthew 6:31-34 — “Do not worry… your heavenly Father knows that you need them.” • Mark 5:36 — “Do not be afraid; only believe.” • Luke 12:32 — “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.” • John 14:27 — “Peace I leave with you… Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.” • John 16:33 — “In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world.” Reassurance in the Early Church • Acts 18:9-10 — “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking… for I am with you.” • Philippians 4:6-7 — “Be anxious for nothing… the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds.” • 2 Timothy 1:7 — “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” • Hebrews 13:5-6 — “I will never leave you nor forsake you… The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.” Shared Threads to Notice • God’s presence is the primary antidote to fear. • Threats, though real, are often portrayed as already fading or defeated—“smoldering stubs,” “chariots hurled into the sea,” “tribulation overcome.” • Believers are called to respond with quiet trust, courage, and continued obedience. Living Out the Reassurance Today • When fear rises, rehearse these promises aloud; faith grows by hearing the Word. • Replace worst-case imaginings with the concrete reality of God’s nearness. • Let obedience continue unchecked; fear loses power when you stay on mission. • Encourage others with the same Scriptures—“comfort one another with these words.” |
    |