WHEN we observe how frequently God says to us “Fear not,” we may be quite sure that there is a great deal in common life to occasion fear. The frequent recurrence of the exhortation in all parts of Scripture teaches us, that through the whole range of Scriptural history there had been that all around God’s people which, without the Lord’s help, must have been sure to make the heart afraid. You will observe in our text that He does not bid us fear not because He undertakes to remove all danger. What He says is, that when things arise that may justly alarm us, we need not fear. “Fear not, _for_ I am with thee,” (observe the “_for_”). If fear is to be really overcome, it must be by the eye being kept fixed on God and His promises. This verse contains two assurances and three promises; assurances of what He is to us now, and promises of what He undertakes to do for us. THE ASSURANCES “I am with thee.” “I am thy God.” It is interesting to observe how the different portions of Scripture correspond with one another. They are all inspired by one Spirit, and all speak one truth. So when I turn to the concluding description of the blessedness of the Heavenly inheritance, I find just the same assurance, “God Himself shall be with them and be their God.” {87} He does not promise to be nearer to His people, even in the heavenly rest, than He declares Himself to be now, when we are in the midst of our struggle upon earth. He promises _then_ to be with us and to be our God, and He assures us in the text that He is just the same _now_. The words of the assurance, “I am with thee,” imply both reconciliation and companionship. Reconciliation, for He is not against us, but with us. Not separated by the barrier of unforgiven sin, but so completely reconciled, the law being satisfied that every barrier is broken down for ever, and He is altogether on our side. Companionship, for as a reconciled and loving Father He never for a moment leaves His child, by night or by day, in joy or in sorrow; in active work, or in quiet submission; in the ministry at home or in the distant work of missions. Wherever His people are, and in whatever circumstances, there is He with them as their Father, their Friend, their Companion, their Helper, their God. For He also says, “I am thy God.” He is not merely with us, but with us in all the omnipotence of Godhead. An earthly friend may fail in helping us; but when He is with us as our God He will never fail. When He says, “I am thy God,” He clearly means that He has chosen us to be His people, a peculiar people unto Himself; and that, having done so, He acts as God, on our behalf, governing, guiding, preserving, saving, and finally gathering to His own presence in His kingdom. THE PROMISES (1) “I will strengthen thee.”