We come to the cross to remember and meet with our Savior face-to-face, just as we are. And without fail, Jesus welcomes, accepts, and loves us! And as we behold Him, He transforms us into His image.
Looking into the face of Jesus, we relax and shed our fear, knowing we are protected members of His family, blessed with a rich inheritance, and made more than conquerors over our defeated enemies. In Christ, we have been taken by grace into His peaceful shelter in our time of trouble, concealed under His robes of righteousness, and lifted high upon the Rock of the blessings of His salvation (Psalm 27:5-6,10).
“I looked to the Lord, and he answered me. He saved me from everything I was afraid of.” Psalm 34:4 NIRV
Hiding in our fearful self-refuges amplifies the urgency of the worrying situations that surround us. At times, we may be intent on finding a quick plan of outward worldly solutions instead of looking to God to alleviate the emotional pressure building up in our anxious hearts. It may seem intolerable at times to experience these runaway feelings, the suffering of inner turmoil, to spend time in prayer, and then to wait for answers for immediate needs.
All our negative emotions contain the quicksand of fear and are thus unreliable guides. Shame can reflect a fear of humiliation, and the fear of punishment may be hidden in guilt. Nonetheless, emotions can be a useful set of scales to assist us in knowing the extent of what we value above God and where our hope is anchored (Hebrews 6:19).
Jesus draws our eyes to Himself as He persevered and finished His work of salvation in perfect faithfulness to His Father. God is never slow or hurried, delayed, or impulsive in answering our prayers or in covering us in His love. His plans for us are always perfect, good, and loving.
“Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path” Psalm 27:11
When we look to the death and resurrection of Jesus and His guiding Word, the extreme waves of our emotions are leveled out, and we become steady as a becalmed sea after a storm. The fruit of peace, patience, and faithfulness grow in our spirits as we supernaturally walk in pace with Jesus, entwined as one with the Lord:
“Here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Don’t give up; don’t be impatient; be entwined as one with the Lord. Be brave and courageous, and never lose hope. Yes, keep on waiting – for he will never disappoint you!” Psalm 27:14 TPT
Question 1: In Psalm 27, has the beauty of Jesus’ accomplishments at Calvary affected your heart? It would be wonderful to hear your thoughts here.
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Question 2: How would remembering what Jesus accomplished for you on the cross, alleviate the fears you are experiencing today?
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