Why Despair?!

Daily Scripture Threshing for Thursday, January 11, 2024

Today’s Text: Isaiah 41:4-12

Key Verse: Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Yesterday, my wife posted this text and though I already commented on it, God continues to impress it upon my spirit. We are all prone to fear especially when the strength of the forces which are against us not only rage but seem to be more powerful for us. That was the case at the time of Isaiah’s prophecy. Israel was in captivity, hoping for their return from exile. But they were confronted by fear lest their enemies should crush their desire to see their home again. That was why the Lord sent such reassuring words: “fear not.”

We always have battles and burdens in our lives that sometimes make us freeze and melt. But always God uses our moments of fear as a source of quietude for us. He uses them as our opportunity to return and restrengthen ourselves against those forces which are against us—which come in all shapes and sizes. Some of us are afraid of people, things, heights, darkness, enclosed spaces, or public speaking. Some are afraid of failure, change, dying, being alone, persecution, oppression, discrimination, and physical harm.

This world is no doubt a scary place, but this Bible text tells us, “Do not be afraid!” God continues to come to us with such comforting and empowering words throughout scripture. So, why despair when God says, “Do not fear. I am with you. I am your God and will never forsake you. You are mine.” At Jesus’ resurrection, the message from the two angels that sat at the tomb to the fear-ridden women is, “Do not be afraid…” The power of the resurrection itself assures us that we don’t have to despair whatever times may come. By His grace, presence and strength, we can face whatever comes.

Quote for the Day: “”Fear not” is perhaps the singularly most powerful phrase available to humanity, which calms, encourages, and delivers us from despair. They have energy and power with the ability to help, to heal, and assure." — Simon Olatunji

Prayer: Dear Lord and Father, thank You because You are always with us. Please always remind me of Your loving presence, Your grace, and Your power. Please fill me with the courage to face my fears, knowing that I’m never alone — in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

For further inquiry and free spiritual help, visit or write:

The Darling Bishop,

2321 S Belt Line Rd., Suite 144

Grand Prairie TX 75051 USA

+1 (407) 360-8280; (817) 822-8441

[Daily Scripture Threshing is a devotional guide of The House of Prayer Evangel Church USA distributed for free use by individuals, small groups, families, and Christian churches]

Send | Share | Subscribe | Support