Ancient Words of Encouragement: Fear Thou Not

“Be of good courage.

“Thou whom I have taken
from the ends of the earth,
and called thee . . .
and said unto thee,
Thou art my servant;
I have chosen thee,
and not cast thee away.

“Fear thou not;
for I am with thee:
be not dismayed;
for I am thy God:
I will strengthen thee;
yea, I will help thee;
yea, I will uphold thee
with the right hand
of my righteousness.

“For I the Lord thy God
will hold thy right hand,
saying unto thee,
‘Fear not; I will help thee.’”

[Coda]

When one’s faith is shaken by evil times,
cling to one indisputable fact:
Nothing lasts forever in this life —
neither the good days nor the bad.