‘But you, Israel, my servant,
    Jacob, whom I have chosen,
    you descendants of Abraham my friend,
9 I took you from the ends of the earth,
    from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, “You are my servant”;
    I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
10 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.

These words were addressed to the Jews at a specific time in their history, when they were captives in Babylon, but being prepared to return to their homeland. (Verse 9 refers to Abraham’s call when he was in Ur. At that time it seemed like the ‘farthest corner’ of the earth.)

However, there is a very real sense in which these truths are applicable to all of us who, by grace, are God’s ‘friends’ and ‘servants’. He will ‘strengthen’, ‘help’ and ‘uphold’ us, and He wants us to live without fear. If God is with us, we have nothing to fear.

When I was at school, I had a friend by the name of David Butler. Whereas I was small and weak, he was tall and strong. I never felt like I had anyone to fear when I was in his company. No bullies were likely to go after him, but I could be fair game if found alone.

It makes all the difference whose company you keep. Or rather, who keeps you company. If this is true of humans, how much more so Almighty God.