The portions for today seem to revolve around defiance — Not defiance of rule or law, but defiance for fear.

Do not be afraid.

But why shouldn’t we be afraid? The world can be a scary place sometimes. But while reading, we can see a common theme of hope. There is hope for us as believers that our suffering will end. And when it does, “everlasting joy will be upon [our] heads” (Isaiah 35:10).

Do not be afraid.

When faced with the fiery furnace, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were defiant of fear in the face of King Nebuchadnezzar. They knew God had the power to save them, though even they were not certain that he would choose to. It wasn’t until they were literally in the fire that they were met with the assurance of Christ.

Do not be afraid.

Say to those who are of a fearful heart,
    “Be strong, do not fear!
Here is your God.
    He will come with vengeance,
with terrible recompense.
    He will come and save you.”

— Isaiah 35:4

The song, “He will come and save you,” was written by worship leader Bob Fitts in 1995. I remember learning it sometime in the early 2000s through playing guitar with my youth fellowship.

Some critique the song for leaving out mention themes like vengeance or wrath, but while recording the song this evening, a subtle difference between the first and second verses.

(verse 1)
Say to those who are fearful hearted
Do not be afraid
The Lord your God is strong
And with His mighty arms
When you call on His name
He will come and save

 

(verse 2)
Say to those who are broken hearted
Do not lose your faith
The Lord your God is strong
With His loving arms
When you call on His name
He will come and save you

In the first verse, we are (again) told not be be afraid. We are assured that when we call on the name of the Lord, he will come with his mighty arms to save us from our sufferings and afflictions. It’s not exactly a declaration of fire and brimstone, but it’s definitely a nod to the idea.

The second verse however starts by addressing the “brokenhearted.” We’re not dealing with fear directly anymore. Instead, fear has transitioned into sadness. But quickly the song reminds us that God is not only strong, but He loves us. That is why he’s coming to save us.

Our emotions are a reality that we will all continue to face. But as Christians, we are assured that there is and end to our suffering. And for that reason, we do not need to remain in our fear or sadness without hope.