Quick Note – Haggai 2:5 – Fear Not, God Is Here!

Haggai 2:5b – “…My Spirit remains in your midst.  Fear not.”

After Israel returned from their seventy years of Babylonian/Persian captivity, they began to rebuild the Temple of the Lord under the orders of Cyrus, King of Persia at the time.  However, due to some obstacles, difficulties, and persecution, they stopped doing so to avoid trouble.  But several years later, when a new king came to power, God sent Haggai the prophet to rebuke the Israelites for abandoning their work on the Temple.  Haggai told them that the reason for lack of food, drink, clothing, and harvest was due to this decision.  So soon after hearing Haggai’s words, the Israelites once again took up the work and rebuilt the Temple.  When God saw their repentance, He as glad and encouraged the people by telling them, “Work, for I am with you, declares the LORD of hosts, according to the covenant that I made with you when you came out of Egypt.  My Spirit remains in your midst.  Fear not.”  Likely knowing that they might suffer persecution or trouble once again for choosing to take up the work, God encouraged them by reminding them to not fear because His Spirit was in their midst.  There was no need to be afraid, because He was with them. 

Zephaniah 3:15b says, “The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you shall never again fear evil.” 

Isaiah 41:10 says, “…Fear not, for I am with you…” 

Psalm 118:6 says, “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear.  What can mad do to me?” 

Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “Be strong and courageous.  Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you.  He will not leave you or forsake you.” 

Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” 

What do all these verses have in common?  They are reminders that we should not be afraid because God is with us.  As Christians, we will certainly encounter trials and persecution for our faith.  We will deal with uncertain futures and unexpected difficulties.  But in the midst of these storms, we must not fear, for we can be confident that our God is always with us.  In Mark 4:35-41, the disciples became afraid of a storm, because they forgot that Jesus the one who could calm the winds and waves down just by speaking was with them.  And we can easily forget that we have a God that is that powerful in our lives as well. 

So the next time fear begins to creep into your heart, remember that God is with you, and fear not!