With Opened Bible

“Be strong, fear not!”

The God of Israel strengthens his people. The prophet Isaiah, who lived through the fall of Jerusalem and the deportation to Babylon, proclaims a message of strength and courage to those who are weakened by fear.

While the afflicted wonder how long deliverance will last, Isaiah comes and reminds them that they are not alone. The God of their fathers is with them: "Be strong and fear not!"

The phrase 'Do not be afraid' appears in various forms three hundred and sixty-five times in the scriptures. This abundant reassurance, whether from God, his messengers, or fellow believers, serves as a constant reminder of God's comforting presence in our lives, ensuring we always feel supported.

1- Jael, wanting to help King Sisera, said, "Turn aside, my lord, turn aside with me; do not be afraid." (Judges 4:18)

2- To reassure the witch of Endor, King Saul said to her: "Do not be afraid. What do you see?" (1 Samuel 28:13)

There are also many references where God himself assures the believer or his messenger.

1- To his people in the desert, the Lord declares: "Do not fear or be dismayed." (Deuteronomy 1:21)

2- To the young Joshua, called to replace Moses with the people, he said: "Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD, your God, is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:19)

Many believers in the Old Testament heard this word of assurance and comfort coming from God: Abraham (Genesis 15:1), Moses (Numbers 21:34), or King Ahaz (Isaiah 7:4).

In the book of Paul, David and the other singers made this word their battle horse: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me." (Psalm 23:4) or even Psalm 27: 1; Psalm 46:2)

In the New Testament, we find this same refrain of assurance:

1- The angel Gabriel to Mary: "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God." (Luke 1:30)

2- The angel to the shepherds: "Do not be afraid; behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." (Luke 2:10)

3- Jesus to his disciples: "Therefore do not be afraid of them. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known." (Matthew 10,26)

4- "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more." (Luke 12:4)

Finally, we find this same assurance on the lips of the apostles:

1- Peter to the Christians: "Do not be afraid or terrified with fear of them, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts." (1 Peter 3:14-15)

2- In the Church: "Thus we can say with confidence: "The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?" (Hebrews 13:6)

These references prove that God is always at the side of his friends. Those who trust him have nothing to fear since he supports, delivers, and protects them. Three hundred and sixty-five references tell us that all year long, he, the God of gods, holds us in his hand.