January 1, 2021 (Friday)
I preached a sermon on December 28, 1958 – 63 years ago, and the title was, “Don’t Be Afraid of 1959.” I repeated that New Year’s sermon many times with each new year through the years. It seemed appropriate every year.
The text of the sermon was Isaiah 41:10. In that verse, God tells us, “Fear not!” Then He gives us at least three reasons to be confident and unafraid as we begin a new year: “I am your God; I will be with you; I will help you.”
Fear not because I am your God. He makes it personal. He identifies Himself and us. Reminds me of another verse, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine” (Isaiah 43:1 NKJV). Who is this God? He is Adam’s God, Abraham’s God, Moses’ God, and David’s God. He is the Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer and Guide. As the song says, “Without Him, I would be nothing.”
Fear not because I will be with you. It’s one thing to know there is a god somewhere, but it is quite something else to know that God is with us, right here where we are living our lives day after day. We can open our heart and talk with Him wherever we are and any time of day or night. “He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own..”
Fear not because I will help you. He actively participates in our lives. He cares about everything that’s happening with us. Jesus pointed out to us that our Heavenly Father clothes the fields with beautiful flowers and knows when a sparrow falls, and than He asked, “If God takes care of the lilies and sparrows, don’t you think He can take care of you?” He is as close to you as you want Him to be, and is helping you as much as you let Him.
Fear not! We are confident of God’s help in the year now dawning. We have Someone who cares, who is with us every moment of every day, ready and willing to help.
Civilla D. Martin Walter S. Martin 1904 God will take care of you, Through every day, o’er all the way; He will take care of you, God will take care of you. Verses: Through days of toil when heart doth fail, All you may need He will provide, No matter what may be the test, |