"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
I used to think that feeling depressed or afraid meant I was a bad Christian. God's Word gives us 365+ reasons to not be afraid and a hundred more to not let our faces be downcast or trodden. But as human beings, we're not immune to suffering, pain, and mental health struggles. This includes feelings and emotions like fear, anxiety, or depression.
Isaiah 41:10 brings those of us who fear encouraging and promising words:
-Do not fear.
-I am with you.
-I am your God.
-I will strengthen you.
-I will uphold you.
This verse is a comforting balm to our souls. Why? Because it reminds us that even when we fear, worry, or are stuck in a deep fog of darkness, He is with us.
In the Old Testament, God's people had to travel to temples and synagogues to speak to Him. Moreso, they had a priest present their requests to Him on their behalf because the power and Holiness of our Creator were so great that we couldn't communicate with Him.
Today, the Holy Spirit lives within us. Despite our fears, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is within you and me, speaking breaths of life, joy, and confidence. We no longer need a temple or priest. Jesus died once for all people, and we now reap the benefits of that open communication with Him.
Hebrews 9:1-2; 11-12, 15 (NIV) says it this way: "Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. A tabernacle was set up. In its first room were the lampstand and the table with its consecrated bread; this was called the Holy Place. But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant."
Friends, if you're wrestling to break free from the darkness today, I want to encourage you that God sees you where you are. He isn't ashamed or afraid of the darkness, and He cares about you. But we can rejoice that even in these places, His eternal presence is with us. It's with us now, here on Earth, and it will be with us for eternity when we reach our Heavenly home.
In your life or in the lives of those who may be struggling, consider the following:
Connect: Take time to reach out, lend a listening ear, or offer a gentle hug. Sometimes, what people need most is your presence.
Validate: It's important to remember that no matter what you're feeling, your feelings are valid. Validating how someone feels (including yourself) can lead to deeper healing and better-resolved conflict down the road.
Embrace: At the end of the day, reflect on the promises of God's Word. No matter how we feel, His promises stand the test of time. Let these promises bring comfort and support in your any and every time of need.
Let's pray:
Dear Jesus,
When the darkness closes in, it can be difficult to sense that your presence is near. Remind us in those times that you not only live within us but are all around us, always. You never leave us or forsake us, and that's a promise we can trust. Help us to seek your light amid the despair, reminding us that even the darkest nights aren't dark to you. You can light up every dark place within us, no matter how down we feel, and you're with us in that place. Thank you for not being ashamed of our struggles, but using them to draw us closer to you. Amen.
"If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you." Psalm 139:11-12 (NIV)
Agape, Amber
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/kieferpix
Related Resource: Instead of Doing More This Summer, Maybe You Need to Do Less
If you've been feeling tired, overwhelmed, depleted, or just quietly wondering where God is in the middle of a very full life — this episode is for you. And honestly? It might be for me too, because I'm recording this in one of those seasons myself.
Today we're doing something a little different. Instead of going deep in a passage, we're talking about what to do when deep feels like too much — when you need less, not more. Specifically, I'm walking you through one of my favorite practices for weary seasons: handwriting scripture.
Not typing it. Not scrolling past it. Actually writing it out, slowly, in your own hand — because something happens in your brain when you do that. The words land differently. They go deeper. And over time, they become part of that personal library of God's voice that the Holy Spirit can pull from when you need it most. That's what Psalm 119:11 means when it says I have hidden your word in my heart — it's scripture moving into your long-term memory, where it lives and stays even when you haven't opened your Bible in weeks.
I'm sharing the five verses I wrote out for myself today — and why each one hit me fresh even though I've known some of them for years. This episode is part of our How to Study the Bible Podcast, a show that brings life back to reading the Bible and helps you understand even the hardest parts of Scripture. If this episode helps you know and love God more, be sure to follow the How to Study the Bible Podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Originally published Monday, 16 September 2024.
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