Bible Commentaries

The Antidote to Fear

Isaiah 41:10

Fear is common to man; increased by, if it does not originate in, a consciousness of sin. The text indicates three reasons why the Christian should not be afraid.

I. God's Presence.—"I am with thee." Powerful, wise, and loving.

II. God's Relationship.—"I am thy God." These words imply on our part reverence, obedience, and submission; on His part guardianship and blessing. We naturally take special care of that which is our own.

III. God's Promise.

1. "I will strengthen thee"—fortify thy heart against trial and suffering.

2. "I will help thee"—render thee personal assistance; direct, protect, fight with and for thee.

3. "I will uphold thee."

"The right hand of My righteousness"—My faithful right hand; i.e. a hand that could be relied upon.

The right hand is generally used for work.

The right hand is offered in friendship.

The right hand is placed on those whom we wish to honour.

—F. J. Austin, Seeds and Saplings, p53.

References.—XLI:10.—A. Maclaren, Outlines of Sermons on the Old Testament, p201. "Plain Sermons" by contributors to the Tracts for the Times, vol. vii. p1. Spurgeon, Sermons, vol. xiii. No760; vol. xvi. No930. XLI:13.—E. L. Hull, Sermons Preached at King's Lynn (3Series), p157. XLI:14.—Spurgeon, Sermons, vol. iii. Nos156 , 157. XLI:17.—Ibid. vol. xlvi. No2696. XLI:18.—Ibid. vol. xxxviii. No2270. XLI:22.—W. M. Punshon, Outlines of Sermons on the Old Testament, p205. XLII:1.—J. Vaughan, Fifty Sermons (9th Series), p27. XLII:1-3.—G. Matheson, Voices of the Spirit, p66. XLII:1-4.—A. B. Davidson, Waiting Upon God, p27. W. M. Punshon, Outlines of Sermons on the Old Testament, p206. XLII:1-5.—A. G. Mortimer, The Church's Lessons for the Christian Year, part ii. p97.