We are in our third part of a short series on fighting fear and anxiety with the capable of ammunition of the gospel. Fear unchecked has the potential to paralyze us, rendering even the most ardent follower of Jesus powerless.

In Isaiah 41, God brings us face to face with real reason for hope. Here God spoke words of assurance to his people by reminding them “I am with you”, and then “I am your God.”   A third reason for confidence comes from His promise to give them the necessary strength to go through the severe trial that they would soon face.

God says” I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”.  These three phrases form a foundation for real life encouragement in facing fear and anxiety.  God has promised to grace us with power and strength to persevere through life’s trials in a way that brings Him glory.

This promise is also seen in 1 Corinthians 10:13, where Paul states ” . . . God is faithful, He will not allow you to be tested beyond what your ability, but will with the temptation provide a way of escape that you may be able to endure it.”

Additionally, Paul prays in Ephesians 1, that the believers of Ephesus would know the immeasurable power of God that was at work in the lives of those who believe, the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead. This enabling strengthening grace from the hand of a righteous God is promised to those in Christ,   and it allows the child of God to face uncertainty and challenges with divinely granted confidence and a hopeful spirit that God is working His plan of bringing Himself glory and changing us for our good (Romans 8:28-30).

His righteous hand is a strong, but personal and loving grip.  In verse 13, God comforts us by reminding that His powerful, strengthening, hand is holding our right hand. Our hand of strength animated by Him. Consider this picture for a moment. If God is strengthening you up in His right hand, while holding your right hand, what is His posture toward you? He is looking toward us in a gaze of love, compassion, and relationship.

The God of all power and might is also personal, loving, and tender toward His children, those who trust  and hope in His name. Our might and ability to successfully fight fear comes from God Himself.

Reflect on the power of God as seen in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  How does the promise that this same might is at work in the details of your life encourage you?

Reflect on the picture of God’s right hand of power holding your right hand.  How does this picture bring you hope in facing fear?