The theme of Isaiah 7 is repeated throughout the Bible: God promises to be with those who put their trust in Him. In both the Old Testament and the New Testament, God says, I will never leave you nor forsake you. And His promise endures in every season of life.

God promises to be present, to be with His people. That directly counters our fears. To put it differently, God’s promise is greater than my problems. We have to remember that. Fear and discouragement can be found at every turn these days. They will grind you down; they erode the foundations of our lives. But that’s one of the reasons you find God repeatedly telling His people, Do not fear. Be firm in faith. I am with you.

Ahaz had some pretty serious problems in his day. And when he heard that Syria and Israel were trying to overthrow Jerusalem, the Bible says that his heart shook like a tree. But God essentially says, “Come on, Ahaz. You have ME on your side if you’d just put your trust in Me!” Ahaz lost sight of the fact that God was greater than His problems.

And this is a practical word for us because God’s promise is greater than our problems, too. When we find ourselves shaking with fear like Ahaz, we have to choose to be firm in faith. God’s presence sustains us through the darkest of circumstances. We can truly bear up through these trials because God is with us!

The most beloved Psalm of all-time is Psalm 23. David talks about the security that comes from knowing God is with him.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4

I’ve read that passage at many a graveside over the years. Everyone has to walk this path of grief at one time or another. We find ourselves grieving the loss of a friend or a family member. And that can be such a cold, lonely feeling. But it’s right there — in the valley of death’s shadow — that David feels something. He knows that he is not alone. He knows that God is with him, shepherding him through the darkness.

“Daddy, will you go with me,” David has asked.

“Yes, child,” God has replied.

So David can now say, I will fear no evil, for You are with me. We need not fear the valley when we trust in God’s promises. He calls out in the darkness, “I’m right here! I’ve got this! I will never leave you nor forsake you!” We can find our way through any darkness when we know God is with us. And like David, this brings us comfort.

Are you seeking comfort right now? If so, trust in the promises of God. Make this line your prayer; write it down so you’ll see it every day: I will fear no evil, for You are with me.