God promises His remnant that they will survive. He won’t make a full end of them.

God has self-control. He’s not going to act out of hand or out of character. He’s made a promise and He’s sticking with it.

There were so many ancient civilizations, and they are gone. God made a full end of them. They get punished for what they do to God’s people. All the while, God is allowing His people to have all that done to them.

God knows what He’s doing. He’s not afflicting for no reason. That’s not God’s heart.

He tells His people they will be handed over to those seeking their lives. Then He says, “Fear not.”

How can He say that? Their enemies are seeking their lives. They want to kill God’s people. How can He say, “Fear not.”

Because God is in control. He’s not plotting evil, but evil is never going to be able to exist outside of God’s boundaries. God said to Satan to spare Job’s life. Job was never in danger of death.

God goes beyond telling them to not fear. He tells them not to be dismayed. He’s asking a lot from a people watching a soon-to-be-victorious invading army approach. He can ask because He’s their God. He is watching over them.

There’s even a future promise of a return to quiet and ease where no one will make them afraid.

Do you live in that place of rest? Do you know what it is to live in the quiet and ease of the Lord where none make afraid?

I can’t say I completely, always dwell in that place, but I know it. It’s a place where there is no fretting because God handles life. It’s a place where there is no questioning because you know God’s got the good plan and will bring it about and fill you in when it’s time. It’s a place of knowing that your life is in good, strong hands which protect and provide.

These are a people who abandoned God to worship false gods. Even if you know you’ve really messed things up, fear not. God is still good and loving. Fear not.