Fear - Pt. 1

 

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even 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 23:1-4 ESV).

 

Today I’m beginning a new series under the topic of “fear.” We must begin with our reading today. The picturesque language of Psalm 23 always makes me think about being in the woods, whether simply hiking or hunting. I remember one of those moments when I got turned around as Kyle and I were following a young deer into the Davy Crockett National Forrest which bordered our home in Huntsville, Texas, years ago. There was no trail to follow. We were trying to “sneak” along behind the deer to get a closer look. The deeper we went into the woods, which encompassed about 10,000 acres, the more I found myself in unfamiliar territory. Finally, as Kyle became tired of the trek, he asked, “Dad, can we go home now?” I looked around and realized I didn’t know which way home was. I’ll admit that I was scared. Sunset was coming soon and I didn’t know my way out of the woods. Kyle asked, “Are we lost?” My only response was to hoist him on my shoulders (he was just six years old at the time) and begin walking to the west where I knew we’d cross a road eventually. We did finally come to a highway, but it was a long way home from where we came out. He said, “What do we do now, Dad?” I said, “No problem, I’ll get us home soon.” He was then perfectly fine.

 

The psalmist knew what it was like to follow trails like that. He no doubt drew on his experience of walking through lonely canyons or narrow valleys, ready for a wild animal or an enemy to attack. He knew what it was to be afraid. But he also knew what it was to be led by God, the good shepherd, through frightening places. God had taken care of him throughout his whole life, and even when things seemed most frightening, he knew he didn’t need to be afraid because God was with him.

 

Our lives are filled with dark valleys. These are those times when everything seems to be out to get us or there seems to be no comfort. During those times we need to remember that God is with us, watching over us and guiding us. He will bring us through all of them so that we may reach our homes. Oh, by the way, unlike me, God doesn’t have to improvise. He knows the way home!