The Christian's Fears and the Christian's Encouragement
C. Garrett. Isaiah 41:10 Fear you not; for I am with you: be not dismayed; for I am your God: I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you… I. THE CHRISTIAN'S FEARS. It may be asked why does the Christian fear? I answer, because of his knowledge. Do you say, "If this be so, then ignorance is bliss"? I answer, No. I do not say that our knowledge causes our danger, I only say it produces our fear. I may be in danger and not know it; but my ignorance does not diminish my danger; it rather increases it. See Captain Williams in the Atlantic. He is asleep in his cabin; maybe dreaming of wife, and home, and joys to come. He knows nothing of the rocks ahead on which, in a few moments, the vessel may dash, and where many a precious life will soon be gone for ever. If he were awake, there would be agony in his face instead of a smile; but there would be a chance of escape. His knowledge would produce fear, but might lead to safety. So with the sinner; he enters upon this year amidst smiles and songs, and little dreams that ere the next year comes he will be in eternity. If he were to awake there would be deep anxiety, but that anxiety might end in life and heaven. The Christian, however, is awake. 1. He knows that he is on trial for eternity. 2. That he is surrounded by enemies. 3. He knows himself: every day he lives he makes discoveries of his character that fill him with shame and sorrow. His constant acknowledgment is, "By the grace of God I am what I am." 4. He knows that many a fellow-soldier has fallen. II. THE CHRISTIAN'S ENCOURAGEMENT. 1. There is the assurance of God's presence. 2. There are several exceeding great and precious promises. Conclusion — "To whom wilt thou flee for help? and where wilt thou leave thy glory?" Talk about destitution, there are none so destitute as those who have no God. (C. Garrett.) Parallel Verses KJV: Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. WEB: Don't you be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.