Hand in Hand: Finding Courage When We Feel Alone
Pastor Rasol Manouchehri Ardakani - 8 December 2025
“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.”
Welcome to Day 8.
It is often said that the command "do not fear" appears in the Bible 365 times. Whether that number is exact or not, the sentiment is certainly woven through almost every page of scripture. God seems to know something very fundamental about us humans. He knows that we are prone to fear.
We worry about everything. We worry about our health. We worry about our children. We worry about money, the future, and what other people think of us. Sometimes, fear hits us in the middle of the night when the house is quiet and our thoughts start to race. It can feel like a heavy weight on our chest, making it hard to breathe.
In the Christmas story, almost every time an angel appears, the first thing they say is, "Do not be afraid." Mary, Joseph, the shepherds—they all had to hear those words. Fear seems to be the natural human reaction when heaven touches earth.
But in today’s verse from Isaiah, God gives us the antidote to fear. Interestingly, He doesn't just tell us to "cheer up" or "be brave." He doesn't give us a strategy for self-improvement or tell us to pull ourselves together.
Instead, He gives us a reason not to fear. That reason is His presence.
"Do not fear, for I am with you."
Think about a small child walking down a dark country lane. If they are on their own, every shadow looks like a monster, and every rustle in the hedge is terrifying. But if they reach up and grab their father's hand, everything changes. The shadows are still there. The rustling leaves are still there. But the fear vanishes because they are not alone. Their confidence doesn't come from their own strength; it comes from the one holding their hand.
God promises to "uphold you with my righteous right hand." In the ancient world, the right hand was a symbol of power, authority, and action. God is saying that He isn't just watching you from a distance; He has a firm grip on you. He is strong enough to hold you up when you feel like collapsing.
During Advent, we celebrate the fact that God came close enough to hold our hand. Jesus entered into our scary, broken world so that we would never have to walk through the dark valley alone.
So, if you are feeling dismayed today, or if anxiety is bubbling under the surface, try to shift your focus. Don't look at the size of the problem. Look at the size of the God who is standing right next to you. You don't need to be strong enough on your own. You just need to know who is holding you.
Prayer of the Day:
Heavenly Father, we confess that we are often afraid. We let worry steal our peace and anxiety rule our hearts. Thank You for the incredible promise that You are with us. Thank You that You hold us with Your righteous right hand. When we feel weak, please be our strength. Help us to feel Your presence today and to walk with the confidence of children who know they are safe. Amen.