Know God, No Fear!

Wednesday October 5, 2011

Today's Passage: Psalms 27
Memory Verse: Psalms 27:1

Paralysis, hopelessness, and disobedience. These are all results of walking in fear. No wonder the enemy uses it with such frequency. The spirit of fear goes off like a bomb in the kingdom of God. The debris after an explosion sends its victims scrounging for cover. Problem is, that "covering" is usually built on self-understanding, an old relationship, or old habits.

It's kinda funny. I've heard of people running away from the enemy when they're afraid to fight, but I've NEVER heard of folks running to the enemy because they're afraid to fight. Why would you do that? Fear. Fear takes everything you know to be true and makes you think it's a lie. So truths like today's passage become distorted in your mind. It says our enemies stumble and fall when they come against us. How is the enemy going to destroy us when he can't even stand in front of us? We have to stop cowering before defeated foes. Can you imagine how that looks to God? When Moses died, God literally told Joshua about a bajillion times (okay I made that up) to BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS. You see, fear blocks God's power in our lives, it keeps the kingdom from advancing, and it makes God look like a bad shepherd.

If the Lord is TRULY in control of our lives, how do we know to fear? I mean, our faith in Him should be so strong (and we should know Him so well), situations that cause fear shouldn't even register. As His sheep, our focus should only be on Him. We shouldn't be looking around for things to be afraid of. Our role in this life is to move when He says to, speak what He says to, and go where He says to. Sheep don't tell the shepherd where they're going, and chess pieces don't tell the champion where to put them. What I mean is, if you practice obedience and right-living, you'll never be on the wrong side of the enemy attacks that cause fear.

Fear has no place in the heart of those who really know the Father. The first 3 words of David's Psalm is "The Lord is....". What came after the "is" confirmed David's position. It gave him a boldness. "Whom shall I fear" is not a question asked by someone who thinks they're serving a loser. He knew what God was capable of. Although he was thrown into some crazy situations, his confidence in the Lord never waned. And because of that God gave him victories that man even to this day have not equaled. So who is worthy of your fear? The devil? He's got nothing! You can whip him with your eyes closed (prayer). A sincere praise from a true heart (not a faint one) will make his kingdom fall like a bad round of Jenga. He doesn't deserve your fear. The One who deserves your fear is fighting for you. He's the One who loves you. The victory is on His side; not the devil's. As a matter of fact, He (God) tells you not to fear. He just wants your reverence and obedience. And folks, He bought that outright with Jesus' blood. So be encouraged today. Know that fear has no place in your life. As you begin your day, I leave you with a truth to help you remember what you've read: Know God, no fear. No God, Know fear! Be Blessed!

Prayer: Father we are so glad we're on Your side. Your word says many are the afflictions of the righteous but You deliver them from all of them. It's comforting to know there isn't a trap, arrow, word, illness, or tragedy You can't deliver us from. We rest in that comfort, and we'll never doubt You again. No more fear Lord; because You are a competent Shephard. We'll follow You as long as You give us life, in Jesus' name. Amen