“Fear thou not; for I am with thee…” (Isaiah 41:10 KJV)
I was treated to an NBA game Monday night where the Warriors were playing the Pacers. It was a 7:00 p.m. game and here is Indianapolis, it is already dark at that time. We had hoped to see the super-star that now holds the all-time record for three-point shots made. My host and I also hoped that the hometown team would win. Neither occurred, but it was a good game. That’s the back story to what I need to share with you today. That’s the context.
I don’t do go out much at nighttime, concerned about the seen; drivers who don’t heed to the rules of the road, and the unseen, perpetrators of violence who have no regard or preference when it comes to place the people that they make victims. They pose a threat to all. As I pondered whether to go or not, the voice in my head said, “Do not fear; for I am with thee.”
I sometimes get a little anxious with heights due to an inner ear disorder, and that tried to discourage me from accepting the invitation. I courageously accepted the invite. Why? I heard the same voice in my head saying, “Do not fear; for I am with thee.”
Being a person of order and fully cognizant of what the definition of a line is, I was rattled by the disorderliness that characterized the crow entering the venue. Perhaps it is common to those who often find themselves in such crowds, but that’s not the case with me. I actually got separated from my host by people pushing their way in from of me. I did not push back. (I do believe in treating people like you would want to be treated.) I simply said as I strained to stand on my tippy toes, “Excuse me, the young man up there has my ticket to get in.” Some were polite and some gave you “the look.” I heard the voice again, “Do not fear; for I am with thee.”
My host offer to buy me some popcorn and a water near halftime. I was hesitant because I did not know if the salt would raise my blood pressure, especially since I had a medical appointment the next day. Yes, I heard it again, “Do not fear; for I am with thee.”
After the game, walking back to the car, my age told on me, ratted me out, as I could hardly keep up with the steady pace set by my much younger host. Honestly, I could feel the pain in my hips, but I pushed on and stayed pretty close. Where did my strength come from? It came from the voice saying, “Do not fear; for I am with thee.”
By the time I got home, I had less than 4 hours left before I had to get up and write the Tuesday meditation. I wasn’t sure how that would work out, but when I laid down to sleep, the voice gave me some assurance, “Do not fear; for I am with thee.” Not only did I get it done, but I made it to my early medical appointment on time. Isn’t God good?
I know I just told you about some everyday happenings, but I want you to know that God is in our everyday happenings. So no matter what is going on in your everyday happenings today, remember the words of the voice; words of the Lord, “Do not fear; for I am with thee.” If you have to face a tough moment, a rough momentous situation, or enough mess to upset you, stay calm and hear the voice. “Do not fear; for I am with thee.” If the holiday blues start to bother you or the heavy weight of seasonal disorders come knocking on the door of your being, hear the voice, “Do not fear; for I am with thee.”
You are going to make it, no matter what problems, what people, or what predicament comes against you; not one of them should keep you in fear. Hear the voice, “Do not fear; for I am with thee.” On top of that, be reminded of the words from the song of old we still sing, holding on to the truth of the lyrics, “The Lord will see you through.” Be blessed!”
“Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 The Message Bible)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King