Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Fear can only be an Invited Guest



Psalm 27

When one enters into the light of God’s salvation fear is only an invited guest that is if the Lord is the stronghold of ones life.  What will a person whose God is the stronghold of their life, be afraid of?  We live in a time where a godless culture, full of evildoers will assail all who follow by faith the ways of God.  We would be wise to hear these words Jesus spoke to us, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.” (John 15:18-21)

Because we live in a time where many have a doctrine of no absolutes, do what makes you happy, follow your heart’s desires, do it your way; we should expect our flesh to look to self and not to God.  That leaves a Christian who is following Christ to be on guard in a godless culture that wants to mold you into not being hated, not being different, not being exceptional, not following Christ.  So remember fear can have no hold on you unless you invite it into your life, forgetting the Lord is our Light and our Salvation, He is the stronghold of our lives.

As a follower of Christ, when the enemy encamps against you, it’s a choice and you can choose faith or fear.  Have you experienced a time as stated in verse five?  David is recalling God’s faithfulness to him in the past; “For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.”  We see David choosing faith in a big God in verse six, he is not living in fear but he is rejoicing in God’s faithfulness to him.

I, like many who are followers of Christ seek His hand, what He has done and will do for those who love and obey His commandments, but do we have a good understanding of seeking His face?  David grasped this, and Os Hillman shared this truth in writing about John 14:30-31, Every person was designed to be under some form of authority. Jesus modeled this in His own life. He lived under the authority of His heavenly Father.”  Jesus wants our world to know the Father, that is why He told us this, but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what My Father has commanded Me....” We must learn to seek His face, and our reply should be as David’s; “Your face, LORD, do I seek.

 David closes in this way, “Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!”

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

No comments: