“There is an alarming number of angles from which fear can ambush us,” says David Ivaska in Be Not Afraid. Whatever the source, fear can leave us depressed and disabled, in need of God’s presence as described in this study. You can use the studies as posted here or, if you prefer a print copy, we have made a pdf available at the end of this article. Set aside a special place and time to reflect on the Bible passage and accompanying questions and allow God’s spirit to teach and encourage you. Take to heart these discoveries of God’s promises. May you find yourself moving from fear to faith.

No Other Rock

Do not be afraid, O Jacob, my servant…

For I will pour water on the thirsty land,
   and streams on the dry ground;
I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring
   and my blessing on your descendants.
Do not tremble, do not be afraid.

   Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago?
You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me?
   No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.
All who make idols are nothing,
   and the things they treasure are worthless.
(Isaiah 44:2-3, 8-9; see also Isaiah 44:1-11, 21-23)

When afraid, we all lean on someone or something to get us through our fears. The question is, how reliable is that source of comfort and strength? Sometimes the very things we rely on become our idols or addictions and only lead us to deeper fears.

How does Isaiah warn us about what we rely on to shelter us from fear?

In contrast, how does Isaiah encourage us to rely on the only true God for our salvation?

Why would our Creator be more reliable in dispelling fear and renewing our strength than anything he (or we) created?

How could our addiction to things that ease our anxieties actually deepen our fears rather than remove them?

To what extent do you turn to “idols” when you are afraid rather then to the one true God?

My Creator and Redeemer, let me drink in peace from your good hand, not from any broken cistern that could never satisfy.

Other formats: Download this file in PDF format