Do Not Be Afraid

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 

Being with a partner, then suddenly finding yourself alone can be frightening. Whether because of abandonment, divorce, or loss through death, being suddenly alone can shake your identity and daily life as you knew it, down to the smallest detail. You’re faced with the presence of absence, and this opens the door to vulnerability.  Where there is vulnerability, there is an enemy ushering fear into your thoughts and actions. 

Our loving Lord knows this, and that is why He addresses it head-on and clearly states that we should not be afraid—ever. He promises to help us when we need it—we are not alone. He holds on to us with His righteous right hand, and He will not let us go. He is bigger and stronger, smarter and more effective than any amount of human logic we could muster from a downcast and broken time. He loves and He cares. 

Father, I can’t help but feel shaken and wonder who I am right now. Everything’s changed, and what used to feel ordinary and routine takes concerted thought and effort to figure out what I’m doing.   

You tell me not to be afraid, but I confess I struggle with fear and worry, and I lack the confidence I had only a short time ago. I cling to Your promise that You will strengthen and help me, because I really need that right now. I believe You’ve got me covered and You won’t steer me wrong as I navigate back into the identity and purpose I know I have in You.  

I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART. AMEN. 

This is an excerpt from Daily Prayers of Grieving Hearts – a devotional now available on DaySpring.com. Shop all books, journals, and devotions from DaySpring here.