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We can be “shaken in mind” by the prospect of what might be ahead of us.
Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3)
David was not shaken, even by the prospect of death, because of his faith that the presence of God would be “there” in all his tomorrows.
For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. (Acts 2:25-28)
moved > Gr. verb > KJV – shake 10, move 1, shake together 1, that are shaken 1, which cannot be shaken + 3361 1, stir up 1
1) a motion produced by winds, storms, waves, etc
1a) to agitate or shake
1b) to cause to totter
1c) to shake thoroughly, of a measure filled by shaking its contents together
2) to shake down, overthrow
2a) to cast down from one’s (secure and happy) state
2b) to move, agitate the mind, to disturb one
Death is not the only fearful prospect we face. Life is full of sudden surprises, many of which can throw us for a loop. Our faith does not control our future so as to ward off bad things; it gives us confidence that God is in control and He will help us in all He allows us to face.
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. (1 John 5:4)
While we know that there is danger “in the world,” our faith declares that Christ also remains in the world through being in us. And He who is in us is greater than all the forces arrayed against us in the world.
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (1 John 4:1-4)
To know the perfect love that God has for us casts out crippling fear concerning what might be ahead.
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:16:18)
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35-39)
Though no one else was by His side, Jesus had peace in facing the greatest trial of His life, because the Father was with Him.
Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:32,33)
Lord I Know that You Are With Me
As I stand here looking forward
Down the road that lies ahead
And I wonder how I’ll make it
I begin to feel a dread
Lord I need a place of shelter
To protect me from the thoughts
That would take away my comfort
This is what Your Spirit brought:
Lord I know that You are with me
Lord I know You’ll see me through
You’ve been there until this moment
You’ll be there tomorrow too
Sudden fear now overtakes me
Sudden winds catch by surprise
As I think about tomorrow
Fearful thoughts now fill my eyes
As the sky ahead grows darker
As the winds begin to blow
As I contemplate my future
This is all I need to know –
CHORUS
You have seen me through each trouble
You have known me in distress
Now as trouble grows much larger
Lord I need Your peace and rest
When my heart begins to worry
When new trouble comes in view
May I then again remember
Lord to cast my cares on You
CHORUS
In the valley of the shadow
Where death casts its fearful shade
Where the light of day grows dimmer
When my life begins to fade
Even when death is before me
Even when my days are through
I will rest upon this promise –
“I will never forsake you”
CHORUS
You have never failed Your promise
You have always proven true
Though the road before me darkens
Lord I know just what You’ll do –
You will make a way for me Lord
Where there seems to be no way
You will bring a glad tomorrow
You’ll be there like yesterday