Where God Is, Fear Cannot Stay

“The Lord is my Light and my Salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the Refuge and Fortress of my life – whom shall I dread?" (Psalm 27:1)

Welcome back dear student, last week we saw how our Awesome God sent His Son to die for each one of us - taking our sin, so that we could be saved. This is why we celebrate Christmas – the birth of the Lord Jesus. As sinners, we could never save ourselves, so the birth of Jesus brought great joy and relief, in the fear of the Lord. What does the fear of the Lord mean? Toxic fear is one of Satan’s greatest weapons against mankind. But the fear of the Lord is different. It’s the reverence and honour of our King Jesus; living in obedience and relationship with Him, shunning wickedness - not grieving His Spirit, filled with thankfulness for His Love. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me” (Psalm 23:4).

At times when people pray and seek God earnestly, it can feel like all hell has broken loose upon them. This is a tactic of the enemy – seeking to derail that one, to make them give up! But remember friend, the devil is a liar, a murderer, a cheat, and a thief. His intent is pure evil - distraction by chaos, to rob you of Joy and Peace. But God is Faithful, and True to His Word. Everyone goes through dark seasons. It could be sickness, family problems, insecurity, poverty, mental turmoil, or the anguish of grief. These are temporary periods of trial and fire: potholes on the journey through life (Psalm 66:8-12). Dear one, please get up

again though - for life is still worth living! Jesus sacrificed for us to enjoy a good Life (John 10:10). There is great promise over you – God’s plans for you are for good, not harm, to give you a future, and a Hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

The Lord paid a huge ransom for us. He gave His Life, His Blood, His Freedom, and His Peace, so the curse would be broken for anyone who believes in Him and receives Salvation through His Name (John 1:12; Isaiah 53:5). Yes we walk through dark valleys at times. Not every day will be a mountain top experience. But it’s in the hard places that we sense the tender touch of God’s Love. What does the shadow of death feel like? Ominous, cold, lonely, hidden, dark and hopeless; yet God’s Word promises that not only is our Good Shepherd there with us, but He is preparing a party table – in the midst of the mess – tenderly spoiling us, in spite of our enemies. Praise God! (Psalm 23:5).

Psalm 91 mentions another place of shadow. The shadow of the Most High.

It’s a safe space reserved for those who dwell in God’s Presence – a place of rest and contentment, protection, and restoration. So, these are two opposites: the shadow of the valley of death versus the Shadow of the Shepherd of our souls. “Be merciful to me O God for in You my soul takes refuge, in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge, ‘til the storms of destruction pass by” (Psalm 57:1). Friend, in God’s Shadow is safety and provision – a place where you’re seen, loved, directed, comforted, and refreshed. It is a warm place. The language used in Psalm 91 describes a picture of a mother hen as she protects her baby chicks under her wings from predators. “For You have been my Help, and in the shadow of Your wings I will sing for Joy” (Psalm 63:7; Psalm 98; Luke 2:10). ‘Joy to the world the Saviour is born’. Hallelujah!