Fear or Praise? Part 1

Fear -- I don't know about you, but I don't even like to say the word, because of the strong memories it evokes.  Yet, today, I want to share with you that fear does not have to be a dirty word:  there are ways to overcome fear.  And I am going to mention a few that have helped me overcome mine.  A positive thing about experiencing fear is that it gives us the wonderful blessing of giving the things that cause our hearts to be afraid to God and knowing His peace.  This is a short series, so I will not be finishing in one devotion.

The first one I want to mention is Psalm 23, because it has been a blessing to me ever since I memorized it in Vacation Bible School as a young girl.  I can picture ...
myself lying in bed, speaking the words of The Twenty-third Psalm, because I was afraid of the dark, well past what I would consider normal for my age.  As a child, I experienced some powerful repeated nightmares, which woke me up.  I think I was afraid,  because I sensed there were strong spiritual forces in this world other than God.  However, my heart was always calmed within me as I prayed this psalm.  

 Psalm 23 says, the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.  It describes a walk with the Lord where He is with us, guiding us.  You see, the sheep follow their shepherd:  that is just what sheep do.  If they walk away from their shepherd, they might get lost or stuck in a gully;  however, it is the shepherd's job to look after that sheep and come after him or her.  I can also picture the shepherd protecting the sheep from wild animals, and taking his charges to safe pastures.

Did you know that Jesus called us sheep?  Yes, you and me -- we are sheep; and we need our shepherd to lead us and protect us.  In John 21:16-17, Jesus told Simon Peter two times to Feed my Sheep.  Prior to that, in verse 15b, Jesus said, Feed my lambs.  Can you picture the shepherd picking a lamb up and carrying him in his arms?  I am so thankful the shepherd, I envision myself walking beside, is Jesus.   He has carried me through trials, pain, and fears.  He has sent the Comforter, His Holy Spirit to dwell in my heart.  I am His lamb, His sheep, His child, and I know He will never abandon me.  My prayer is that you will be come to Jesus and be comforted.  Believe.  Be His lamb, His sheep, God's child.

Prayer:  Father God, you have blessed me in more ways than I can count.  I want to remember those blessings today while praising and thanking You for Your goodness.  I admit I need the ultimate shepherd in my life.  I need Jesus and I want to follow Him, trusting Him always, because I am His and He is my Shepherd.  I am the sheep of His Pasture.  Hallelujah!  Glory be to your Holy Name, my God and my Savior.
Amen.