Stockton Baptist Church

FEAR NOT! It seems so long ago. The world had come through WWI (1917-1918) and survived the Spanish / H1N1 Flu pandemic (1918-1920) in which at least 50 million people died. The Great Depression then ramped up in 1929. In an effort to lift the spirits of our country, President Franklin Roosevelt proclaimed during his first inaugural address that “This great Nation will endure, as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Given current fears over the Covid-19 virus, we would do well to turn to our Creator who still sits on His throne in heaven. God used the prophet Isaiah to encourage His people, Israel, when they were facing certain defeat, widespread death, and forced deportation to Assyria. Yes, God promised to judge His people for their sin, but He also reminded them that He was still in control. In Isaiah 41:10, God tells His people, (1) “I am with you,” (2) “I am your God,” (3) “I will strengthen you,” (4) “I will help you,” and (5) I will uphold you.” However, in the first 9 verses, God tells us who He is. God is the Judge of all lands - whether near or far, i.e. of the whole earth (v. 1). God is also King over the kings of earth for He commands them (vv. 2-3). God is the eternal Creator who was before all nations and allowed all the nations of earth to form (v. 4). Lastly, God is the One who chose Israel to be His chosen people and servants (vv. 5-9). What a comforting chapter is Isaiah 41, especially to genuine Christians. God is the Judge and King of the whole world. He is the Sovereign Creator who controls all that happens. Because of who God is and because He is my God, because He is with me, because He will strengthen me, because He will help me, and because He will uphold me with His all-powerful hand, God therefore tells me “Fear not” (v. 10). No, I have absolutely nothing to fear!