TREASURES FROM GOD'S WORD, Week of March 2-8, 2026, “Do Not Be Afraid,” Prepared Talk.

TREASURES FROM GOD'S WORD, March 2-8, 2026, “Do not be afraid,” Prepared Speech.

“Don’t be afraid” (10 mins.)

We live in uncertain times. The news reports wars, economic crises, diseases, and changes that affect our emotional stability. On a personal level, we also face trials: health problems, financial difficulties, the loss of loved ones, or complicated family situations.

In the midst of all this, a very human question arises: How can we not be afraid? Jehovah, through the prophet Isaiah, gave a message that remains deeply comforting today. That message is summarized in three powerful ideas, which we will analyze below.

Jehovah would bring “someone from the east” to make people tremble (Is 41:2, 5; ip-2 21 par. 10).

Isaiah chapter 41 presents us with a stunning scene. Jehovah examines the world scene some two hundred years in advance. Before the events occurred, he already knew what would happen.

LET'S READ ISAIAH 41:2, 5

“Who has brought someone from the east, summoning him to his feet to administer justice, to hand over nations to him, and to subdue kings? Who turns them to dust with his sword and scatters them before his bow like chaff driven by the wind? 5 The islands have seen it and are afraid; the ends of the earth tremble. They gather together and advance.”

These texts speak of someone “from the east.” That person was Cyrus, the Persian king. His powerful armies would advance swiftly, defeating all who resisted. The people would tremble at his approach; even the inhabitants of the islands, the most remote places, would feel fear.

The nations reacted with terror. They united to oppose the instrument Jehovah was using. They tried to encourage one another by saying, “Be strong.” But in reality, they were filled with fear.

This teaches us that Jehovah is in complete control of world events. Nothing happens without his permission. Even major political and military movements are within his ability to foresee and direct in order to accomplish his purpose.

If Jehovah could foretell the rise of Cyrus and the impact he would have on the world two centuries in advance, can he not also foresee and manage current events? The world may tremble. The nations may be troubled. But we, Jehovah’s servants, have a different perspective.

Jehovah's servants had no reason to be afraid (Is 41:10; ijwbv article 5 pars. 4-7).

After describing the fear of the nations, Jehovah addresses his people with tender and direct words.

LET'S READ ISAIAH 41:10

“Do not be afraid, 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.”

What a beautiful contrast! While the world trembled, Jehovah's servants received this assurance.

By saying “I am with you,” Jehovah tells his servants that they should not be afraid, because they are not alone. He knows what they are going through and he hears their prayers.

Psalm 34:15 says that the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and that his ears are attentive to their cry. It is as if the Lord is right there with us when we face a difficulty. When we pray in silence, when we feel that no one understands our pain, the Lord does.

With the phrase “I am your God,” Jehovah reminds them that they still have his approval. No matter what happens, nothing will prevent him from caring for them. Romans 8:32 assures us that if God did not withhold his own Son, how will he not also give us everything we need?

Hebrews 13:6 encourages us to say with confidence: “Jehovah is my helper; I will not be afraid.” What great assurance! We are not abandoned in the midst of a chaotic world. We have a God who knows us by name and who is personally interested in us.

Jehovah would help them (Is 41:13).

Jehovah not only says “do not be afraid,” but he also explains why, regardless of the circumstances, we should have no fear.

LET'S READ ISAIAH 41:13

For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; I am the one who says to you, ‘Do not be afraid. I will help you.’”

What a moving image! It's not simply about Jehovah walking beside us. The text describes something more intimate and powerful: “I hold fast to your right hand.” Jehovah takes our right hand, as if he were lifting us up when we fall or pulling us out of a dangerous situation.

Imagine a strong father helping up his son who has stumbled. That is how Jehovah acts. Furthermore, at Isaiah 41:10 he says: “I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. With my righteous right hand, I will uphold you.” Jehovah repeats the idea of ​​helping three times so that we have no doubt.

One of the main ways Jehovah helps us today is through his Word, the Bible. Joshua 1:8 shows the importance of meditating on it day and night. Hebrews 4:12 says that God’s Word is alive and powerful.

Within its pages, we find practical advice for dealing with poverty, illness, anxiety, or the death of a loved one. Proverbs 2:6, 7 reminds us that wisdom comes from the Lord.

Jehovah also helps us by means of his holy spirit. Isaiah 40:29 says that he gives power to the weary. And Luke 11:13 assures us that he will give holy spirit to those who ask him. When we feel we can't go on, Jehovah can give us the mental clarity and emotional strength we need.

Psalm 46:1 describes Jehovah as “a help that can be found speedily in times of trouble.” That means his help is not late. He does not always eliminate the problem immediately, but he does give us the strength to face it.

That is why, when the economy is uncertain, when we receive a worrying medical diagnosis, when we face opposition or painful losses, we can hear Jehovah’s voice telling us: “Do not be afraid. I am with you. I am your God. I myself will certainly help you.”

Illustration

The picture in our activity guide shows a family studying the Bible in a country where our work is restricted. The father watches through the window while the mother reads the Bible with her two daughters.

This shows us that, although the circumstances of this world may cause us fear, if we continue to take Jehovah's hand through his Word and his organization, we will feel that we have no reason to be afraid.

Conclusion

The world may tremble, as in the days of Cyrus. Nations may be filled with fear. But Jehovah's servants have no reason to live dominated by fear. Why? Because Jehovah sees the future, because he is with us, because he is our God, and because he holds our right hand.

He cares about you and is determined to help you. He wants you to feel safe when you face difficulties. Why? Because He truly loves you. So, no matter what happens, always remember these powerful words: “Do not be afraid.”