Do Not be Afraid

“Don’t fear, because I am with you; don’t be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will surely help you; I will hold you with my righteous strong hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (CEB)

As I write today’s devotion, it has been nearly a week since the attack on Israel. I think it would be safe to say the actions of the attackers have Christians, at least, thinking about the end time, Christ’s return and our eternity. Non-believers and Christians alike may have some fears about the future. The fears may be fear for physical safety, food availability, financial distress and many other worries and woes.

Did you know there are 366 “do not be afraid” verses in the Bible? I wasn’t aware of it until reading one of the accounts of the persecuted Christians in foreign lands. The author gave that statement with the number of verses, bringing to the reader’s attention that there is one for every day of the year, even including Leap Year(s)!

There is a wonderfully calming passage in Psalm 94 which says:

Who will stand up for me against the wicked? Who will help me against evildoers? 17 If the Lord hadn’t helped me, I would live instantly in total silence. 18 Whenever I feel my foot slipping, your faithful love steadies me, Lord. 19 When my anxieties multiply, your comforting calms me down.

One version of this verse reads this way: “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy." JOY? This brought me back to Sara’s devotions on Joy this past week, and reminds me that if we are in Christ, even though the mountains quake and the end seems near – the Lord’s comfort keeps us joyful.

My disclaimer here is that I have not yet found a listing of 366 “do not be afraid” verses, but what a great personal study and journal keeping exercise this would be! How encouraging the message would be whether or not we found all 366 verses.

This may be my project for 2024, beginning with January 1, and see how many I have listed at the end of 2024. We just might re-visit this devotion and its outcome next year end. In the meantime, I know I will be encouraged!