“The one who formed you says: Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior!” (Isaiah 43:1-3).
He is indeed Emmanuel, “God with us.” “The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge” (Psalm 46:11).
Is not our failure to realize the favorable presence of our divine Redeemer the main cause of our slackness in communion and carelessness in our walk? Does not that failure explain our weakness, irresolution, timidity? Christ is present to counsel, to direct our way, to shelter, to energize, to comfort. Then make use of Him: draw from Him, lean upon Him. Does He not say, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand!” (Isaiah 41:10) Then conduct yourself accordingly, Christian reader.”
~ Arthur Pink, “His Presence”