Calvin's thoughts on "Fear not, for I am with thee"

A key passage in my sermon text Sunday:

Isaiah 41:[10] fear not, for I am with you;

be not dismayed, for I am your God;

I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

About which, John Calvin masterfully writes-

"For I am with thee." This is a solid foundation of confidence, and if it be fixed in our minds, we shall be able to stand firm and unshaken against temptations of every kind. In like manner, when we think that God is absent, or doubt whether or not he will be willing to assist us, we are agitated by fear, and tossed about amidst many storms of distrust. But if we stand firm on this foundation, we shall not be overwhelmed by any assaults or tempests.

And yet the Prophet does not mean that believers stand so boldly as to be altogether free and void of fear; but though they are distressed in mind, and in various ways are tempted to distrust, they resist with such steadfastness as to secure the victory. By nature we are timid and full of distrust, but we must correct that vice by this reflection, "God is present with us, and takes care of our salvation."