DAY BY DAY WITH JESUS: DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Monday, August 17th, 2026

Overcome Fear!

“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

Every now and then, fear can grip us as difficult circumstances sweep across our path. Finances may be stretched and income uncertain. A job may feel under threat. A troubling health report may arrive. Or we may face anxiety over the outcome of a legal matter and what it could mean for our future.

Fear has been described as “an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm.” At some point, every life encounters it. When fear rises, our natural instinct is to reach for something—or someone—to hold onto. We may look for shelter wherever we can find it or turn to a trusted friend for quiet reassurance.
Yet there are seasons when no shelter appears. There are also times when those we hoped would understand respond instead with criticism or indifference. In such moments we may look within ourselves, only to discover that the fear has drained our strength. The energy to rise and keep moving seems gone.

But thankfully there is a way out. The Word of God speaks through the prophet Isaiah:
“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.”

Why can we trust this promise? Because the Lord Jesus Himself understands fear. Before His crucifixion, Jesus faced deep anguish, “Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me,” ( Mathew 26:38). Yey He fixed His eyes on the Father in heaven.

Charles Spurgeon once observed that when we are confronted by fear we should remember: “Nothing is too hard for Him. He can find a way where there is no way. He can give us the idea that will make all the difference.” And John 14:1 says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.”

So when fear comes, look to God. As you do, He will strengthen you, lift your spirit, and make a way where there seems to be none.

Prayer: Lord Father, Almighty God, Maker of heaven and earth, today I surrender every fear within me at the feet of the cross. I cast off any fear that troubles me. I look to You, for strength and courage, trusting and knowing that You will always make a way where there is no way. In Jesus’ mighty name, I pray!