Fear No Evil!

 

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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my scup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23:1-6 ESV).

 

For the next few days I want to focus on how we can overcome fear in our lives. We live in a world that is certainly more complicated and difficult than ever before, we cannot lose the truth that regardless of the circumstances we may find ourselves, God is always the same. He does not waiver or change with the circumstances. He controls and works these experiences in our lives to produce good.

 

The picturesque language of Psalm 23 always makes me think about being outdoors and hunting. I remember one experience in the hill country of Texas many years ago. It was early fall and bow season. I did not have a firearm as I took the early predawn walk to a stand deep in the thickets. There wasn’t much of a trail to follow. It was bordered by old live oaks and large mesquites on both sides. Being alone and wanting to be as quiet as possible, I slowly walked along by the last of the moonlight. Arriving at the stand, I climbed into it and settled in to wait for sunrise. The quiet before dawn is always the greatest of the day. Hearing rustling nearby, my heartbeat began to quicken. I looked to my left a bit and saw five coyotes approaching. Being ten feet above the ground helped ease my tension a bit, but it was scary.

 

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 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 protect us! That is the beginning of banishing fear from our lives!