Fear is not real in the cloud of God’s presence. Stay in the cloud - @Uyobong
Psalm 23: 1-4:
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Dwelling in God’s presence implies being on the Lord’s side. It also means being where God approves where the company of the Holy Spirit will be enjoyed. It is one thing to be in God’s presence and another to be conscious of this presence. In today’s passage, the Psalmist said, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadows of death, I shall fear no evil; for thou art with me.” Some persons are not conscious of this presence and as such cannot maximize it.
Thank God for the Psalmist who was conscious of God’s presence and this gave him the boldness to utter those words. His consciousness of God’s presence was vividly analysed using the shepherd-sheep relationship. As we know the nature of sheep, we can understand that the sheep cannot fend for itself without the shepherd’s direction. This implies that seeing ourselves as the sheep of God’s fold calls for our total dependence on Him. We cannot just exist without Him. His presence is inevitable for our wellbeing.
The implication of being a sheep in a shepherd’s fold is that the sheep would always be led to a place of nourishment (green pastures), still waters and safety. With the shepherd’s leading, the sheep would never find itself in the place of turbulent waters nor dried grasses. However, there may be things that tend to challenge the safety of the sheep even while with the shepherd – the shadows.
Shadows, far from being the real thing are imperfect imitations of reality. Shadows can either make an object look smaller or far bigger and darker than it is actually. In the same way, the devil tries to belittle the greatness and kindness of God towards us and over-magnifies our doubts and fears. He tries to make you see darkness in the midst of light.
Despite the aim of shadows, a man that is conscious of the presence of God is reassured of God’s love for who will reveal the shadows of death as just what they are – mere shadows. It is necessary that come to understand that with God, our provision and safety is guaranteed. Yet, we have to train our hearts and renew our minds towards shadows that may just surface to intimidate us.
Shadows remain shadows and shouldn’t be feared. Remember, Romans 8: 1, if God be for us , nothing can be against us. Let God’s presence be evident in your heart and let His presence take away fear.
Let us Pray:
Lord Jesus, let your presence always overshadow me. I refuse to be afraid of shadows for I know that You are with me – Amen.