Fear Not - Isaiah 43 Devotional - Fear, Anxiety and Identity

Fear and anxiety is something we all face, even as believers. Following Jesus doesn’t mean life is easy or fear-free, but it does mean we never face those fears alone. In Isaiah 43:1b-2, God speaks straight to our hearts with truth, identity, and assurance.

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you." Isaiah 43:1b-2 ESV

As I sat with this Isaiah Scripture I noticed three powerful themes emerging: the “Nots", the “Whens", and the "Declarations".

The “Nots” – What God Won’t Allow

• Fear not

• You will not be overwhelmed

• You will not be burned

• The fire will not consume you

Right from the start, God tells us: Do not fear. Easier said than done, right? But He doesn’t just say it—He backs it up with promises of His protection!

The “Whens” – Trials Will Come

• When you pass through waters

• When you walk through fire

Notice it doesn’t say “if”—it says “when.” Challenges are part of life, even as believers. But because of what comes next, we don’t have to fear.

The Declarations – God’s Truth Over You

• I have redeemed you.

• I have called you by name.

• You are mine.

• I will be with you.

This is our identity. YOUR IDENTITY! No matter what the world says, no matter what fears creep in—God sees you, knows you, and claims you as His own.

So if the enemy tries to whisper lies about who you are, stand firm in this truth. You are loved, protected, and never alone. Fear not—He's got you! YOU ARE HIS!

A fun graphic I made showing the Nots, Whens and Declarations!