Isaiah 41:10, “Do not be afraid – I am with you! I am your God – let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you.”

We live in a fallen world, and the world gives us many painful experiences. Just take your pick among the many tragedies, trends, and painful experiences, and it’s easy to get negative, depressed, and hopeless. This pain is never truly soothed by the wisdom of people, or by engaging in distractions, or even by putting on the power of positive thinking. Instead, the worries of the world are only quieted through a vibrant, personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

God gives Isaiah words of hope and a future found only through His comfort: “Do not be afraid – I am with you!” It is amazing when we think about the greatness of God and the immensity of His creation…and yet He is the God of intricate details. in other words, He doesn’t leave things to chance in His world – He has it all in His wonderful, sovereign, and perfect will. You have nothing to fear: God will never leave you nor forsake you.

Whenever you are afraid, worried, frustrated, or feeling hopeless, remember the promises of God. You may still find yourself going through the valley, and you might even think you are alone, but you’re not: if you are His, God is has never left your side, and He will walk with you through this season. While this happens, He will use this time to shape you and grow you, to help you trust in Him more and more each day. Remember that every valley is an opportunity for a mountaintop experience with God. Take God at His Word, rest in Him, allow Him to walk with you and love you through the good times and bad.

Pastor Fran