Be Not Dismayed; for I Am Thy God
God's presence is our comfort, and He is the antidote to fear, the remedy for trouble, and the substance of deliverance.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes God's tender reassurance in times of fear, reminding us that He is always with us and upholds us with His righteousness. He highlights the repeated promises of God to hold our hand and provide help, encouraging believers to rise above fear by focusing on God's presence. Simpson draws on the comforting words of Jesus to His disciples, affirming that God is the ultimate remedy for our troubles. He urges us to remain steadfast in our faith, finding contentment and security in our relationship with God, even amidst life's challenges.
Text
How tenderly God soothes our fears! How sweetly He says in the introductory verse, Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: . . . I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. And yet again, still with tender thoughtfulness, I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee (Isaiah 41:13). He does not say it only once, but He keeps holding our right hand and repeating such promises. The blessed Lord condensed it all into one single message of eternal comfort spoken to the disciples on the Sea of Galilee, It is I, be not afraid. He is the antidote to fear; He is the remedy for trouble; He is the substance and the sum of deliverance.
We should, therefore, rise above fear.
Let us keep our eyes fastened upon Him; let us abide continually in Him; let us be content with Him. Let us cling closely to Him and cry, Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea (Psalm 46:2).
Sermon Outline
- God's Presence is Our Comfort
- Rising Above Fear
- Clinging to God in Times of Trouble
- Abiding in God's presence
- Crying out to God in faith
Key Quotes
“He is the antidote to fear; He is the remedy for trouble; He is the substance and the sum of deliverance.” — A.B. Simpson
“Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea (Psalm 46:2).” — A.B. Simpson
“It is I, be not afraid.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Rise above fear by keeping your eyes fastened on God and abiding in His presence.
- Cling closely to God and cry out to Him in faith when facing trouble.
- Abide continually in God's love, care, and guidance.