whom then shall I fear?

Tuesday, March 6, 2018 (5:21 a.m.)

First things first Dearest Dad, thank You! Thank You for singing Your presence in my fearful thinking throughout the darkness. Yes, Lord. Thank You.

Now for the ask… I would like to know what song it is that I keep getting snippets of.

Thank You. Thank You again. I asked. You answered. In the very next keystroke. Thank You Father. Matt and Beth Redman’s ♪You Never Let Go♪

(6:55 a.m.)

And here comes the smile. As I search more about the song and it’s history, I learn more about others’ walk with You.

I’m confessing to You right now a lingering dissatisfaction with myself. I have fallen headlong back into comparing myself with others and finding myself severely lacking.

(7:40 a.m.)

You have so much more for me than fear. Thank You Father. Thank You that as I look deeper into this song the impact of Your Truth grows within.

Inspired by Psalm 23:4, the song was written in opposition to what Mr. Redman “describes as the daily drumbeat of the ‘dark, disturbing, depressing news’ that fills our TV screen on a daily basis” (songscoops). Thank You God.

Thank You that as my mind begins to take me in one direction, I again hear ♪O no, You never let go♪ start singing to me. ♪Through the calm and through the storm… In every high and every low… - Lord, You never let go of me♪

You are so good Blessed God. I know this. I believe it. I trust it. So here I ask You to empower me to living it.

♪Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death Your perfect love is casting out fear And even when I’m caught in the middle of the storms of this life I won’t turn back; I know You are near And I will fear no evil For my God is with me And if my God is with me Whom then shall I fear? Whom then shall I fear?♪

Whom then shall I fear? Indeed.

Holy God, if I genuinely believe this to be true [which I absolutely do] why do I so often falter? In fear. Even the phrase “Thy rod and Thy staff” has often made me think more towards discipline than comfort.

As I look deeper at this well known verse, I find words that give me pause. Where I am most used to the idea of walking through the valley of the shadow of death and fearing no evil, I confess to these being words I mainly recite. Not necessarily act upon.

Reading the various translations, I consider “deepest darkness; death-dark ravines; Death Valley” and question my understanding. The Life Recovery Bible reminds us that You are “our Shepherd [who] knows what we need better than we do”. I believe this.

“God wants us to have what is best for us. As long as we make Him our Shepherd, He will lead us to places of safety. He knows how to direct us away from places where we may be tempted to stumble. Even when we fall, He can deliver us from our failure, pain, and suffering. God will help us avoid the places we have stumbled in the past and guide as we journey toward recovery.”

I have experienced Your guidance Father. I have. Why then do I fear? And again I confess, I do fear. Help me with this debacle, wouldn’t You Lord?

Your comforting rod and staff are also described as “a walking stick with which to guide and one with which to help” (New Life Version). Console. Protect. Reassure. Make me feel safe; secure. Give me courage. Guarding, guiding all the way.

The Passion Translation tells us, “Lord, even when Your path takes me through the valley of deepest darkness, fear will never conquer me, for You already have! You remain close to me and lead me through it all the way. Your authority is my strength and my peace. The comfort of Your love takes away my fear. I’ll never be lonely, for You are near.”

I long to live this Truth Dearest God. Unquestionably unafraid. Solidly trusting Your will and Your way. Show me. Lead me. Guide me. Help me. Yes Father, help me in all the areas I lack skill of my own.

I look to You. I lean on You. I trust in You. Thank You, Father. ♪Whom then shall I fear? Whom then shall I fear?♪ Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(759 words ~ 9:45 a.m.)