Oct. 1, 2021

Psalm 23:1-6 KJV

1...The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2...He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me besides the still waters. 3...He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4...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. 5...Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6...Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Many of us learned The 23rd Psalm when we were kids, either in Sunday School or by our mothers and fathers. It is amazing how it has remained in our Spirit as we matured because of its truths. The Lord indeed has been our shepherd and if we are honest we would have to admit we never got anything on our own. We have never needed to want for anything. He has supplied everything we have ever needed.

The message for this month is going to focus on verse 4 of the 23rd Psalm. Yea, though I walk through the valley and the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

When I was reading this favorite of mine, verse 4 has stayed with me. Because of covid? Quite probably because of its absoute devastation to families and all age groups. Added to it is the chaos it has caused world wide. The anger people demonstrate toward each other is quite disturbing and it seems to get worse day by day.

The entirety of this Psalm written by David is amazing because of the assurance's it provides for us. God provides peace, tranquility, restoration and righteousness. But verse 4...Even walking through the valley and the shadow of death, I will fear no evil is profound because of verses 1-3.

In our world today, evil is everywhere. The anger of people on planes, anger in public places, anger because some don't want anyone telling them what to do. People are getting killed driving the streets, going to the store, walking down the street. I get it and don't blame anyone for being fearful.

When the opportunity presents itself to talk with someone, I try to offer God's assurances and this 23rd Psalm verse 4 is the starting point. Even when walking through this valley and shadow of death, I made a choice...I am not going to fear this evil because God is with me. What can possibly hurt me when I am with God, who can possibly do anything to me when I am with God.

In David's time the example of the shepherd and his flock is powerful. I noticed the similarities to shepherding as I got older. The rod/staff as a comforter? Indeed. The sense of touch is quite interesting with animals. Placing a staff or rod against the side of an animal will help it feel comfortable with a change of direction or peace in a stressful situation.

For you and I, when we are walking thru the valley and the shadow of death, we don't fear evil because our faith is in one greater than any fear or death and He is always with us. Our trust is in God The Father, Jesus Christ God The Son and God The Holy Spirit who has instructed us He has never given us the spirit of fear. He has given us Power, Love and a Sound Mind 1st Timothy 1:7 KJV...

We are repeatedly told not to fear...over 144 times in the Bible we are instructed not to fear. Psalm 23:4 tells us we have comfort, fear is from satan and his use of creating fear in us can be devastating if we allow it to be. Choose not to fear anything, choose to believe God and His Word. It is life changing and will give you power you never knew you would have.  

Thank You Lord For Your Word.