Discover His heart: He provides all that we need to follow Him with boldness
A man’s conscience can really play tricks on him when he has done wrong. The imagined scenarios of being pursued and caught for wrongdoing can drive someone to the point of insanity. Hollywood certainly has cashed in on that plotline through the years and often manipulates us into rooting for the criminals, even hoping they get away with their terrible deeds. The terror of continually looking over the shoulder and behind every door and cowering in dark corners is no way to live. Of course, those who follow the Lord and live a righteous life are also being pursued by invisible forces, but they have nothing to fear.
“The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions.” (1) This verse makes me think of the sad life of King Saul who always feared that David and others were chasing him. When the Spirit of the Lord left him, his sins tormented him as did the paranoia he had about his own well-being. Jacob also knew some troublesome days fearing that Esau was coming after his birthright even though he wasn’t. What a tragedy to live in fear that “your sin will find you out.” (Numbers 32:23)
However, those who follow the Lord should know that they, too, are being pursued. “Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life…” (Psalm 23:6) Well, in that case, I’ll just stand still and be caught! And if that isn’t enough to build confidence, “Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.” (Isaiah 58:8)
No wonder Solomon declared that “the godly are as bold as lions!” With the Shepherd in front of us leading the way, with goodness and unfailing love always pursuing us and with the glory of the Lord protecting us from behind, why should we fear? Sometimes we just forget who is in our entourage! Unlike the cowardly sinner who is fearful of being caught, we who follow the Lord can boldly move forward and accomplish whatever God intends for us. And the peace and calm that comes from godly living are extraordinary.
Moving Forward: I won’t wonder today if I can do what God is asking me to do. How can I fail with the Shepherd guiding me, His goodness and love chasing after me and His glory protecting me? Really, how can I fail?
Tomorrow @ Jonah
Phyllis Benigas 