Meditations upon Psalms
Total Freedom From Fear
Dwelling in the Secret Places of God’s Presence
Psalm 34:4 – Total Freedom From Fear
One of my favorite Bible verses is Psalm 34:4. “I sought the Lord, and He answered me. He delivered me from all of my fears.” This verse assures me of the joy and happiness of a fear-free life! I consider fear to be one of life’s greatest enemies. Fear daily and perpetually robs us of countless enjoyable, peaceful, rewarding, exhilarating and fulfilling experiences. Some people are not enjoying the love of their lives because they were too afraid to approach the persons to whom they were most attracted. Instead, they settled for the next best chance at love. Accordingly, fearful circumstances leave them with a personal anthem, “If you can’t be with the one you want, then love the one you’re with.” Other people remain for decades on a job that only possesses the value of supplying a pay check every two weeks. Fear coerces them into staying and suppressing their dreams and goals of owning their own business or being their own boss. Had I not been afraid and immature, I would be a bilingual person. I was too fearful of wild and imaginative dangers; so I did not pursue the Language Study Abroad Program in college. I failed to see that an opportunity of a lifetime lay before me. I had a chance to immerse myself in the language, culture, history, geography and social mores of another nation and people. Focusing upon obstacles and potential dangers will rob innumerable persons of taking their dream vacations or seeking their heartfelt goals. In contrast, the Psalter encourages us to seek the will and power of Almighty God. His unconditional and unfailing love totally frees us from fear. Furthermore, the psalmist states that God liberates us from each and every fear. Practically speaking, God graciously gives us the requisite wisdom to overcome each fear. He empowers us with our very own equivalent of five smooth stones just as he gave them to David when he defeated Goliath. I encourage you today to ask for deliverance from all types of fear in your life. In the words of Henry David Thoreau, “Go confidently in the directions of your dreams, live the life that you imagine.”
Psalm 91:1 – Dwelling in the Secret Places of God’s Presence
The opening verse of Psalm 91 offers a vivid portrait of love, comfort and security when residing in the presence of Almighty God. “He who dwells in the shelter [secret places] of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Normally, we associate the darkness with trepidation. We seek shelter in dark places as we tenuously hope for protection from danger and enemies. Nightfall eliminates shadows and presumably prevents the possibility of discovery. Essentially, we seek safety by retreating to a citadel that hides us from adversity. The Psalter transforms his thinking about darkness as he yearns to be in the shadow of God. The presence of God actually protects us from internal and external dangers. The light of God’s character bountifully yields His unfailing love, unquestionable faithfulness and unending grace. The safety, security and serenity of being in God’s shadow are so incredible that we linger. Within the hustle and bustle of living in our rapidly scientifically and technologically advancing world, I pray that you will remember to withdraw to the sanctuary of the Lord’s presence.
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