No Fear For Me!

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely Your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm23:5 (NIV)

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Psalm 23 is a beloved psalm often memorized by children and new Christians. It offers beautiful pictures of Jesus, our Good Shepherd, guiding, protecting, and providing for us. It has been a comfort to many facing challenges throughout time. It comforted me through chemo, radiation, and medical treatments.

While walking through the dark valley of cancer treatments, I felt more and more isolated from friends and family. They were not living this experience and could not fully understand my thoughts and the harassing fears. Finding myself in the dark valley of the “shadow of death” was frightening until the Lord reminded me that a shadow is inert, harmless, intangible, and lifeless. I was not alone, either. He was guiding me through that creepy valley and showing His victorious presence in my life by setting the table, a feast with Him, with enemies of infirmity kept at bay while He spent time with me!

I could pass on the bitter fruit of fear and choose the sweet and fragrant bowl of life in Christ. It refreshed me and built me up for the rest of my journey. When my enemy raised up a long shadow at me, I could laugh and point out how weaponless a mere shadow was. I was not choosing to accept fear so that shadow could not hurt me.  Instead, I feasted on His precious promises, like Deuteronomy 31:6-8, Joshua 1:5, Psalm 9:10, Psalm 37:25. Psalm 94:14, and Hebrews 13:5, all covenanting that He will be with me; He will never leave me or forsake me.

A long-term medical battle comes with many skirmishes through its winding path. Shutting the door to fear is a priority. Other enemies are blocked from a free ride of destruction when fear is blocked. This is true in all parts of our lives, and practicing casting down fear regularly builds our spiritual muscles for desperate times. Make the time to focus your prayers and speech on things that build faith and identify with placing your life in Christ.

At Infusion Ministries, we use a declaration like this against fear and spiritual enemies battling against our minds. You can use it, too, by speaking out loud:

“By the power and the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, I command, I don’t suggest, I command any and all evil trying to influence me, my mind, or my body, to leave my presence. I am a child of the Most High God, and my mind is my own, a quiet place for just me and God. I am free to hear the voice of God and pray as Jesus commanded us to pray.”

We then pray to invite the presence of God:

“Dear Heavenly Father, I know that You are here with me now and present in my life. I believe that You alone are all-powerful and mighty. I draw near to You and ask that You draw near to me. I ask You to speak to me; I don’t want to hear the words of man, I want to hear from You. I ask You to protect my thoughts and mind, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and lead me into all truth. Show me how to walk free today. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.”

Apply these spiritual weapons consistently in your life, and you will experience new strength in your life!

As adapted from EPIC ENCOUNTER by Dr. Dave Park & The Infusion Team