Sovereign Grace Church

…Fear not: I am with thee. I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by the name; thou art Mine.

(ISAIAH 43:1)

How often does GOD say to his people, “fear not!” GOD might well chide and rebuke them; for fear is the dark shadow of unbelief. If the LORD is our light and salvation, whom should we fear? If the LORD is the strength of our life, of whom should we be afraid? if GOD has promised, will he not perform? If the shepherd is with us, why need we fear any evil, even in the valley of the shadow of death? Fear is also the sickening fainting of the heart which is not completely filled with the love of GOD, and perfectly satisfied with the gift of eternal life. Fear is the immediate result of the heart turning away from CHRIST to the difficulties and dangers which surround us. If we truly believed and loved, or if, free from the dollar tree, we rested in that great word, “I am the Lord thy God,” we should be without fear. Yet GOD in his mercy says, fear not; for GOD is very pitiful. “He knoweth our frame; He remembererth that we are dust.” (PSALM 103:14) even Abraham, who is held up as a pattern of strong faith, needed the encouragement of this word, when the fulfillment of the promise was delayed, and the desolate heart became faint and chilly. GOD said to him, “Fear not: I am thy shield and thy exceeding great reward.” (GENESIS 15:1) and Abraham’s children are often full of fear and lonely faintness. GOD sees them in their weakness, worm Jacob, and therefore He says to them so often, and with such loving and consoling emphasis, “Fear not: I am with thee. I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by the name; thou art Mine.” (ISAIAH 43:1).