To Combat Fear
Psalm 23 has long held a significant place in my heart to combat the fear I feel at times in my life. I remember traveling with the Math Team for a week-long tournament in High School. I was the only girl, I felt so alone and wondered if I'd make any friends. My mom sent me with Phillip Keller's book, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23. I found great comfort the first few days sitting alone reading that treasure of a book. Later in the week, it gave me strength to say 'no' to new friends who wanted to sneak out to a bar.
Recently my youngest has been dealing with fear, enhanced I'm sure by the sadness of distancing from her friends. So at night, when the fear seems to overwhelm her, I bring her to the source of hope that I have clung to. We started memorizing Psalm 23 together. We also listen to the Abide app on my phone that has a great meditation on Psalm 23. The Lord is our Shepherd, He provides all we need. Mostly, we need to know He is with us. God with us - as Jesus experienced this life of ups and downs, of fears and emotions which overwhelm. Author of our salvation, Intercessor for us even now, and Keeper of our eternal future with Him.
Fear is likely to rear its ugly head again, and all too soon. I try to keep my focus on the Good Shepherd. Repeating the 23rd Psalm, once or a hundred times, helps me to remember His goodness and His Presence with me.
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