It’s impossible to go through life without fear. We are human, limited by our choices and the choices of others. Yet, God commands us to “fear not.” It seems like our nation, and every nation, is making the same mistakes of the past. If we know God’s word, it's normal to feel “dismayed” at times about the future.

The prophet Isaiah had a lot to fear. He saw the direction Israel had chosen and knew God would be true to his word. God’s desire is that all people would know him and understand their need for his love and redemption. The people of Israel, God’s chosen people, were blending their faith with their culture. As a result, the truth of God was getting diluted and weakened. Isaiah knew God wouldn't allow his truth to be lost and feared God’s discipline and judgment were inevitable.

But, Isaiah didn’t need to fear. In fact, God commanded him to “fear not.” Isaiah knew God would bring judgment on Israel and that the nation would be without his blessings. God wanted his prophet to understand that he need not feel “dismayed.” Why was Isaiah protected? Because God was with him and was his God. 

God was going to strengthen him for whatever difficulties lay ahead. God was going to help him journey through this life, upheld by the same “righteous right hand” that had created the world. 

The only way to keep God’s command to “not fear” is to daily turn our thoughts to his words of encouragement. If we know God, we can trust him to strengthen us and help us with every hardship that comes our way. We can hear him say, “I am your God.” Our faith in Christ has placed us to be firmly protected by his righteous right hand.

Knowing God is the beginning of wisdom. Christians can know God is our strength and our great help in life.