Have you ever been facing a difficult situation but you were not afraid because of who was with you? I remember when I was a younger kid going away to sleep away camp.  I thought the coolest guy at the whole camp was the lifeguard named Bo.  He was always surrounded by girls, was the football star at his high school and he played the guitar and led our music time.  I found out that we could become junior lifeguards and i was all in the only problem is to qualify you had to swim all the way across the dark scary lake.  I was very nervous until I found out that Bo was going to swim right next to me and keep away the snakes, alligators and lake monsters that were for sure waiting under that dark scary water.  With Bo next to me I was no longer afraid.  Life can be scary and daunting at times as well but let’s look at this promise from the book of Isaiah about who is “swimming” by our side.

“But you, Israel, my servant,
    Jacob, whom I have chosen,
    you descendants of Abraham my friend,

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.

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.

“All who rage against you
    will surely be ashamed and disgraced;
those who oppose you
    will be as nothing and perish.

Though you search for your enemies,
    you will not find them.
Those who wage war against you
    will be as nothing at all. 

For I am the Lord your God
    who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
    I will help you.

Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob,
    little Israel, do not fear,
for I myself will help you,” declares the Lord,
    your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.