Journey To The High Places: Fearing Invasion (Week 2)
This week brings us to Much-Afraid excitedly anticipating her departure to the High Places with the Shepherd. However, things do not go according to plan.
There are a few things that stood out to me in this chapter, that I’ve been pondering all week.
It was not until the Shepherd marked Much-Afraid with His Love that she could sing joyful songs. She knew in her heart then that the Shepherd saw not her blemishes, but loved her for the beauty that was still yet to be.
This so often parallels my own life. I continue to put too much focus on my own blemishes and shortcomings. Yet, I choose to believe that God loves me and there is beauty yet to be uncovered. I have been marked by His love. Therefore, I will sing songs of joy!
The second thing that stood out to me this week was that, not matter how much she longs to go with the Shepherd, Much-Afriad is still being held back by fear.
When she had the opportunity to respond, she withheld, out of fear. Perhaps she allowed the fear of the unknown to keep her in her familiar surroundings, even though they were not the best of circumstances. Perhaps it was the fear of failure, that she would somehow disappoint the Shepherd along the way (this is a big one for me). Or perhaps it was fear of what may become of her Fearing relatives should she leave. (People pleaser, that’s me!)
I’ve been reflecting on times in my own life where I’ve been paralyzed by fear. Where I could have moved towards God, but instead, stayed where I was, or even turned away from Him.
So the Shepherd slowly passed the cottage, “showing Himself at the windows,” and singing the signal song, but receiving not response of any kind.
How often does the Shepherd pass before the window of our hearts and we choose not to respond out of fear?
I’ve been under the weather this week so I apologize for the short post. But I look forward to reading your thoughts on this chapter here in the comments, or in our Facebook group.
photo credit: AlicePopkorn via photopin cc
This is Week 2 of a devotional study of Hinds Feet on High Places. I have received the author’s permission to quote larger portions of text for purposes of this study. All of the posts in this study can be found here.
Praying you are feeling better, Barbie. At some point I will need to read this book and then refer back to these posts. Much love.
Barbie,
Thank you so much for reminding me of this book…I can so relate to the journey away from fear…and God’s faithful pursuit over the years and those baby steps…praying God will continue to mark you with His love and give you the courage to continue to walk in faith not fear….actually my post topic for Jumping Tandem Retreat tomorrow…((hugs))
Thanks Dolly! I stopped by and skimmed your post, will have to go back to read it again. It was very good.
Great thoughts and insights, Barbie! It was a short chapter, but seemed to speak to all of us in profound ways. God is so good! Prayers for improved health coming your way. Have a blessed Monday.
Thanks so much June!
Barbie–I love the photos with quotes and how you summed this all up for the week. These are the same points that stick out to me and you asked such great questions. I hope you feel better soon…
Thanks Amy! I’ll be seeing my doctor later today.
Fear has been a recurring theme in my life, so I can very much relate with Much-Afraid. Fear of death is a biggie for me, even though I know death is a doorway to living in God’s Kingdom with Him forever. I’m finding it a little hard to read this book so far because it’s almost like I’m reading a story about myself.
I hope you feel better soon! (((Hugs)))
I remember how hard it was the first time I read this book. It gets easier each time. Fear of death is something I’ve also contended with my whole life. I am thankful that God continues to remind me that I need not fear. Love you!