Greetings Internet Campus,
This week we are going to look at sheep. Us. The followers of the Shepherd.
As Pastor Matt stated, there are 4 things that sheep sometimes fear...but we don't have to because we follow the ultimate Shepherd. Let's look at the first: fear.
Psalm 23:4 “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”
Have you ever been totally afraid? I don't mean like "scary movie" afraid. I mean that type of fear where you genuinely don't know if your ever going to feel right again. You know that level of scared...disease, divorce, financial ruin...the usual suspects. You may think "Why is God letting me go through this?" or "Why do I feel totally alone?" Have you ever thought those things to yourself? I have. It's a natural reaction to gut-level scared...we've got to know that there is going to be a way out.
There is.
In today's passage, King David reassures us that no matter where we find ourselves...the Shepherd is there. He's brought the tools of the trade as well...the Bible calls them a rod and a staff...we, as sheep, may see them as peace and comfort...or grace and reassurance...or love and protection. In any case, we need to remember that every situation is only temporary. The Shepherd moves us on at His pace and in His plan. The sheep don't know the destination...they don't control the route or the method of travel...but they do have power over their disposition during the trip. So do we. How we see God is critical to our success over fear in our lives.
God never leaves us. Read that again. God NEVER leaves us. He's with you during chemotherapy, the court proceedings, and the crying into your pillow. He has the tools to take out your attackers, dry your tears with a passage of hope, and, at the same time, lead us to peaceful places where our thankfulness should never stop. No need to fear, sheep. The Shepherd knows the way.
Daily Challenge: In your journal, write down 3 things that you are afraid of right now. I don't mean spiders or snakes...I'm talking life fears... Then, next to each one, write "Psalm 23:4 - ...I will not be afraid" Whenever you begin to get scared this week....claim that verse for yourself.
See you in the morning,
Pastor Brian
Monday, January 14, 2008
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1 comment:
My three fears are all intertwined
because I fear rejection interviewing is difficult for me which leads to no employment right know which leads to the inability to pay my bills.I thought praying for confidence was selfish but now I see it is the cornerstone to all my fears, God is good .
Blessings to all
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