Saturday, January 4, 2014

Fear Not; The Lord Protects His People

January 3, 2014
 
Fear Not; The Lord Protects His People
"But thou O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head"
Psalm 3:3, KJV
It never ceases to amaze me concerning the wonders of God! I have had somewhat of a noteworthy day.

As I went about my day thinking about what I could write about, I reflected on this new adventure of blogging daily. I have been blessed with this gift and passion of writing. For as long as I can remember, I have always written. I have written essays, poems, articles, a mini documentary, proposals, etc. I have also journaled throughout most of my life. Being somewhat of a timid individual, writing has been my preferred way of expressing myself. However, as I thought today about now publicly sharing some of my writings detailing my expeirence of embracing all of me, I felt a few "butterflies in my stomach". If you happen to share some similarities with me, then you already know of the feelings and thoughts that may arise when exploring new territory.  Yes, those feelings of ambivalence, excitement, anticipation and perhaps some fear are a few to name.  Various thoughts regarding your degree of competency and where this exploration may lead to may be some of the thinking. 

Thankfully, I was reminded of my New Beginning Resolution and declaration of leaving some of those thoughts and feelings behind in 2013!  Some of those thoughts and feelings have hindered me far too long.  As I sat down to read my church devotional reading for today, I couldn't help but smile when I read the subtitle for Psalm 3, "The Lord Protects His People".  God's Word began to encourage and remind me of His everlasting protection from any harm.  Psalm 3:3 "But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and 'the lifter up of mine head" was noteworthy to me.  It testified of where my "safety" lies.  I was also quickly reminded of 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and love, and of a sound mind".  I had often heard that particular verse quoted, yet never truly meditated on it, until last year when beginning to let go some of the things that were weighing me down.  It was through that particular verse that I eventually began learning how to rest in God's peace.  Today, I draw again on God's Word.

 Knowing that I could use just a little more encouraging, God used the minister at our Prayer Night Service to share his current journey.  Without his knowing, his current journey reflects my own in some ways.  He shared Psalm 91, Luke 10:19 and highlighted Luke 11:10, "For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened".  The emphasis of this verse was the persistence theme and God answering according to what is best for us.  We were able to pray and open our hearts even more to God's Will for our paths.  What a way to be encouraged!

The final icing on the cake was something that I am going to leave with you.  As I drove home, a song played by one of my favorite Jazz artists, Paul Taylor.  As "Someone Is Watching Over You" played and I listened to the lyrics, I smiled and knew I had to share this blog with you today.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9AHFtYLi_o

May you be encouraged as you enter into a New Year and create new beginnings.  Enjoy!


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