A SHADOW HAS NO SUBSTANCE WHY FEAR

Believer08 · Post by **Believer08** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 12:00 am

Here is a great article in dealing with panic and fear............basically a shadow of .....

A Shadow Has No Substance
Bishop Keith Butler

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

The shadow of death is taken from the shadow representing darkness and gloom; it is figurative of a severe test or trial. However, my definition of a shadow is this: a shadow has no substance.

Once you are over the fear, you can walk through a shadow. The only thing that produces a shadow is when something is between the light and the surface or else there would be no shadow.

Many times, we bring on the shadows in our lives because we put something between God and ourselves. It may be him and her between you and God. It may be family or friends between you and God. It may be fear between you and God. Whatever it is, a shadow is produced.

Now let me remind you that a shadow has no substance. It may be bigger than the object, but it can't do anything to you. Satan's ploy is to make the test or trial that you are dealing with bigger than life itself, so he tries to cast a shadow. He wants you to believe that there is no way around the shadow. He's wrong. When we get out of the way and allow the light of God's glory to shine on the situation, that shadow will disappear.

The Lord is your Shepherd. His light will remove the shadow of tests or trials in your life, but you have to get rid of what's between you and God.

The Shepherd is your protection. "...thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." The rod was used to beat off wolves that tried to snatch the sheep. The staff was used to lead the sheep back in the right direction. The staff had a crook on it that the shepherd used for sheep that strayed away. The shepherd would put that crooked end over the sheep's neck and gently guide him back to the fold.

The Shepherd will guide and lead you. You may not know where you're going or how you're going to get there, but when the Holy Ghost is leading you, you can relax under His protection.

I tell you there is comfort in knowing the Holy Ghost is leading you. Spend time with Him. He will bring you out of the shadow of tests and trials in your life. You don't have to fear any evil that comes against you. Remember: it has no substance.

Scripture References: Psalm 91:1-16; 107: 10-16; Isaiah 35:4-10

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BronzeStar45 · Post by **BronzeStar45** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 4:19 am

Awesome post, I have been through the shadow of death with my fear. I am a believer so thank you for this. It rings true.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 5:05 am

Thank you!

jess23 · Post by **jess23** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 5:10 am

I love this post! It really hit home with me....the shadow of anxiety/panic!! Bishop Butler has some great writings about these challenges, and using spiritual tools as well.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 8:25 am

Talking about hitting home....I have been sitting here thinking about my problems today and cleaning my home because that is how I cope with my problems and I have already gone to the Father and asked him for peace and he gave it to me but this morning I was bringing all these things back into my brain. I do know that it is the enemies way of making people bring up things when them theirselfs can't think of why or how something can work out for the better. I needed to hear my own advise today because I can give it but it is always hard for me to take it. I now am leaving it with the Lord and I am NOT going to pick it back up! Believer08, I wanted to thank you for this post and all others that you have sent me along with all the emails! I have needed them so much this week for I am going through a great deal of things and I have felt trapped by my troubles. I have been given a huge peace about it but other family member aren't feeling the same thing so it made me a little discouraged but I know who is in control and I need to be the one to stay on his word and to keep an upbeat spirit about it all. I have been doing alot of scripture search for the problems that I am going through and have found a great deal that I never knew were there. This has helped me a great deal and I know that it is in God's hands. Thanks to everyone that has been praying for others and myself and thanks to all the uplifting things that people write on here because it has really been bringing me through alot of questions I have had myself. Praise God for all he is and always will be!

Jennifier

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 6:49 am

Today's Scripture

“The earth was formless and void…and God said, Let there be light.” (Genesis 1:2-3).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Are you believing God for something today that seems impossible? We serve a great and mighty God. and He can create something out of nothing. He can make a way when there seems to be no way! Genesis tells us that in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. But before He spoke the world into existence, it was formless and void. If God can make the world out of nothing, He can take the empty places in your life and create something beautiful, too! He can speak light into your darkest hour. He can take your formless dreams and give them shape. He can resurrect your dormant gifts and talents! He can make your crooked places straight! Remember, you are created in the image of almighty God. There’s power in your words, and there’s power when you’re in agreement with Him. Start saying what God says about your situation. Speak life to your broken dreams, today. Stay in an attitude of faith and expectancy. As you do, God will take you places that you’ve never dreamed, and you’ll live in victory all the days of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, I trust that You are willing and able to make a way where there seems to be no way in my life. Fill me with Your peace and faith and give me a vision for all You have for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 1:35 pm

Very strong and powerful points Believer....its easy for many to say heres a scripture read it!
But having a passage makes it easier to swallow and to receive. Thanks for the post

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 2:29 am

Even times when things challenge me it is hard to stand on a scripture especially when fear is trying to torment........Its a battle...But I have to say with Gods word I haven't lost....I thank God for sending people like Joel Osteen to send the word to make it easier to swallow...