But he brought his people out like a flock; he led them like sheep through the wilderness. He guided them safely, so they were unafraid; but the sea engulfed their enemies. Psalm 78:52-53 NIV
Come on Greg, you can do it. It’s not really that hard. Just take the first step and you will find it easier than you think. You don’t have to be like all the other guys. It’s not a sign of weakness. All you have to do is ask. “Excuse me, mam? I am lost. Could you help me find my way?” See, that wasn’t so hard.
The first time this word “guided” was used in the Bible is in Genesis 24. Here we find Abraham had given the task to his main servant to go back to his homeland and find a wife for Issac. He would find a total stranger young lady, name drop Abraham and Sarah, and then she was to leave everything behind to go meet and marry a man she had never met. No problem. Listen to his thankfulness.
saying, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the Lord has led me on the journey to the house of my master’s relatives.” Genesis 24:27
The Psalmist is recounting God’s faithfulness to lead God’s people through the waters, the desert, and across the Jordan river to arrive at the promised land. His presence was signified with a cloud by day and fire by night. He never left them while on that journey. They did not always understand why He chose a place with no water, but provision always came forth.
How does God guide you with His Spirit? I am not asking how He does it in a general sense. How do you, specifically, sense the leading and guiding presence of the Holy Spirit? In some measure, it will include His word -the Bible – AND a dialogue communion with the Holy Spirit
The Psalmist reminds us that following the Spirit of God produces a “safe” feeling. Strong’s Concordance includes this explanation for this Hebrew word – batach – abstract, safety, both the fact (security) and the feeling (trust).
Let me say this again. The knowledge that you are following God’s leading provides both the feeling and fact that you are in the safest place on earth. Could harm still come? Maybe, BUT God’s peace shows forth strongest in the storm. Like a shepherd, He will be present to lead you.
On this Fear Not Friday, I bet you have someone close to you that you know who has recently contracted the CoronaVirus. Fear always wants to dominate and control our lives. Our job is not to eradicate fear. We are to follow the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Falling more in love with our heavenly Father leaves little room for fear to remain. The danger is still present, it has just lost its grip on your heart.
May God teach each of us again day by day, moment by moment to be in step with our Father through the abiding presence of Jesus by the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice and follow Me.” May you enjoy your journey today He guides you along the path of right living.
Blessing Love y’all