BE AFRAID; it's the way to become UNDAUNTED

Isaiah 41:10? When the Gushikawa Baptist Church began reciting September's worship service memory verse--including the reference--I couldn't help feeling confused. Didn't the plaque on the wall say it was Isaiah 43:5? (My stepmother's Japanese calligraphic scripture decorates the bedroom wall Yup; Isa. 43:5)

"Fear not; for I am with thee." BOTH verses--43:5 AND 41:10--start out the same way. But in the Japanese rendering, the post-position "wa" is used in 41:10, whereas "ga" is used in 43:5, merely emphasizing a different aspect of the statement.  "You don't have to fear because I am with you" seems to be the message of 41:10, whereas "Because I AM with you; you have nothing to fear"; seems to be the emphasis of Isa. 43:5.

BUT, But, but! I think it is 100% okay to be afraid. Courage is when we walk into situations trembling in our boots not knowing what to do or what words to say, perhaps trailing pools of shame and humiliation but wanting to stay in love of our Heavenly Father. It's OK to be afraid as long as that means we find ourselves automatically reaching out for and then resting in the Hand of the Lord Himself. We do not have to be "unafraid, strong, bright, iron, to the end"! Even the Psalmist said, "What time I am AFRAID, I will trust in thee."

In fact, wasn't there a Bible character who displayed just that? He clung to God with all his might BECAUSE HE WAS SCARED TO DEATH? He said, "I don't dare let You go God, unless You promise to bless me". Yeah. Jacob, knew the brother who wanted him dead was just across the river with 400 men.

How does it go: "Desperate times call for desperate measures"? Do I ask for God's protection like I'm desperately afraid, or is it just something I'm supposed to do to be spiritual?  Maybe God will respond in kind.