“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
How to Not Be Dismayed with God
What Does Dismayed Mean?
What a great verse for this time we are in! There’s a word in that verse, you don’t hear much anymore…dismayed. Dismayed means feeling distress or anxiety, typically at something unexpected. It also means to look around in terror. God is speaking with tenderness here, telling us not to look around as one might do in danger or in a state of alarm. He’s telling us to instead be calm because He’s here with us.
There are a lot of people these days who are dismayed. This verse tells us a lot of reasons why we shouldn’t be dismayed.
- He is with us.
- He’s, our God.
- He will strengthen us.
- He will help us.
- He will uphold us with his righteous right hand.
That last reason means God’s hand is faithful and can be relied on. He’s reminding us that He is faithful to his promises.
When We Are Afraid or Anxious
When we are afraid or anxious, God is with us. When we are weak, God will strengthen us. He says in this verse, that he’s with us and if God is with us and our protector, whom should we be afraid. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)
Unsettling feelings will come our way, but it’s how we handle it when they do. They may come in the form of anxiety, depression, feeling helpless, worrying about the future, etc., but the more we pray the less dismayed we will be.
As scripture says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
I sure want that peace during this time, don’t you? Let’s pray together right now! I welcome your prayers in the comments!
Let Us Prayer Together During the Crisis!
Dear Heavenly Father,
We love you! We look to you during this time of crisis all around the world. You are greater than any struggle we face. Please bring comfort and peace to every person whose heart is heavy. Take away their fears and anxiety and replace them with your peace. Help us all to stay grounded on you as our solid rock foundation and humble ourselves to pray before you as we face the uncertainty each day. Nothing is certain in our world except for you! Give each of us wisdom on how to proceed throughout our days, who we can help, and what to do. Protect us. Help us all to wholeheartedly trust you!
In Jesus Name, Amen.
Keep praying! Keep Trusting! Don’t be dismayed, God is with us through it all!
It’s amazing how close anxiety in the Bible/New Testament connects to the word “dismayed” in some of the most powerful verses of faith and courage in the Old Testament. God is good!