LIVING IN GOD’S PEACE
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
In Bible times, shepherds had a special relationship with their flocks. They spent every day with the animals, guiding their paths, protecting them from danger, and going after the ones that went astray.
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)
To the sheep, the shepherd was a constant companion, to the extent that the animals grew to recognize the shepherd’s voice and would respond only to their call.
God is portrayed in the Bible in ways that are easy for us to understand. One of the best-known and favorite passages in the Bible is Psalm 23, which begins, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” Here, David offers a touching representation of God by describing Him as a shepherd.
In Psalm 23, David acknowledges his position as a wandering sheep under the direction of the Great Shepherd. David rejoices because he is part of God's "flock," and God is such a loving Guide.
Because of God’s protection and guidance, David was able to boldly live in today’s verse, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)
This is a remarkable statement because it reveals that while David was aware he would face hard times, he could rest in the confidence that God would safely see him through anything that life presented.
We have nothing to fear, and yet we do fear. We need an answer to all our uncertainties, and that is today’s Bible verse.
David said, “I will fear no evil.” But he did not just make a bold statement, he gave a reason: “for You are with me.” The confidence he experienced as he faced the future rested in a God who never fails as our Shepherd.
We do not have to fear the future, and we do not have to worry about our reputation or having our needs met, or being alone.
David knew the answer to today’s and tomorrow’s fears was, “You are with me.”
Since God is with you, you do not have to fear!
Notice how David shifted his attention from talking about the Shepherd to talking to the Shepherd, “For You are with me”. Too many Believers want the benefit of claiming “God is with me.” but spend too little time talking to the God who is with them.
The Bible gives us an alternative plan that prepares for and responds to fear.
“Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.” (Psalm 56:3)
God's Word gives us hope when we find ourselves overcome by fear. Instead of living in it, we can put our trust in God and we can turn away from fear and go toward God.
“Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; "For YAH, the LORD, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation."' (Isaiah 12:2)
Practice trusting God as a daily exercise when we spend time in His Word and in prayer. When you do, you may not even notice how many fears you will pass by because your attention will be on God.
If you have become accustomed to the “when I am afraid, I will trust” approach to life, this devotional is for you. It is time to practice greater confidence in God today. “I will trust, and will not be afraid” and live in the place of ultimate victory. God’s Peace!
What do you fear as you are going through life?
Heavenly Father, I will trust You and not be afraid. I will purpose this day in my heart to read more of Your Word each day. In Your Word is life and instructions of how not to fear. I will trust You and You alone. When fear tries to come upon me, I will read Your Word for You are my life. Thank You, Father. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Practice Trusting God As A Daily Exercise When We Spend Time In His Word And In Prayer. When You Do, You May Not Even Notice How Many Fears You Will Pass By Because Your Attention Will Be On God.
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