Nougat 22

Howdy do dears

Thanks Kraig for correcting me about the King being protected. (ie not the queen). I look forward to hearing from you; please feel welcome).

Did you know that the term ‘Fear not’ (ie Don’t be afraid) is said to occur 365 times in the Bible? That’s one per day folks! In today’s Holy Nougat we pause to reflect on one of them.

“Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Surely I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah‬ ‭41:10‬ ‭TLV‬‬

Having just checked and put on our armour, we know we can expect to be engaged in battle at any time. That can be daunting and generate some fear. But … don’t give in to that feeling; for God’s got a plan for us all – God says we are not alone. Let’s allow that soak in

God is with us

Each of us

That’s like Barak unashamedly insisting that Deborah accompany him into battle (see Judges 4). The difference is – God has acted already! God is with us in our good, bad, terrifying, overwhelming, medical, happy moments. And when we face the battles that would cripple our spirits, we are assured that we can yield to God, our Protection. And God is seeing the big picture.

That’s some good news!

We recognize that this fear can sap our strength (or is it that our weakness that generates fear?). But in this Fear factor, we have naught to fear; for God has assured us of strength; God’s strength. I tell you my dears, THAT is so reassuring! In 2 Corinthians we hear the Pauline writer saying virtually the same thing – God’s strength is ours when we are weak. And that ought to drive the fear away.

There’s more – in this Fear Not, we have God’s assurance that we will be upheld (lifted up) by God’s Right Hand. It was perceived that the dominant and stronger side is the right hand. Thus to be lifted by someone’s right hand was assurance of their strength undergirding our own weakness. So if we’re fainting with fears, doubts and worries; God is able to lift us up.

Got Fear? Get God!

In Christ’s love and grace . .