“For you are with me.”
The Good Shepherd stays with the sheep. You are not alone. Someone to be with you…fellowship. That means a lot. In order for us to experience the abundant life that God has designed for us we must be able to be in His presense. That’s how God designed it and He proclaimed it at Christmas by sending Emmanuel…God with us! Then we are reminded in our Lenten walk…the cross has made that relationship possible. Through the sacrifice of Jesus all barriers to enjoying God’s presense have been removed. They have been Nailed to the cross. We have free access to fellowship with God! Therefore…we will not fear!
It is when we begin to wander that fear begins to creep in.
I am reminded of the Israelites when they were on the edge of the promised land and they were afraid to go in. The 12 spies had gone in and come back with a report. Ten said do not go. Two said go and God will do what He promised. The people sided with the 10. God was so upset with them that the ten spies who brought the bad report dropped dead. The Israelites decided to go but it was too late. The fellowship had been broken. Trust was no longer there. God’s presense was not with them and they were soundly defeated. God being with us makes all the difference in the world. But we must choose to remain in His presence. But, beware, that doesn’t happen all of a sudden.
Remember Peter after Jesus was arrested. He followed Jesus to the courtyard which is more than most but it says in Mark 14:54, “Peter followed at a distance.” Putting distance between you and the Savior sets one up for failure. It was only a matter of time (very short in this case) and Peter had denied even knowing Jesus.
Are you experiencing fear right now? Why? If God is with you you should not fear. Maybe you have allowed a little distance to come between you and Jesus. Take time today to close the gap…get in close and tighten up the fellowship that casts away every fear.
Blessings!