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. Psalms 23:4
If you were looking for a real crowd-pleasing message sure to draw in the masses you probably would not go to this verse for inspiration. In fact, much of what is put forth as inspirational for Christians doesn’t seem to have its foundation in any verse! To deny that there is evil in the world or pretend that it does not exist is not going to help someone when they come face to face with it.
The only way to overcome fear in this life is to understand and accept by faith what David is teaching in this verse. First, a reality check: even though you are God’s little lamb, there is still evil in the world and there are still going to be times when you have to walk through some challenging situations. Besides the evil permeating most aspects of society, there are also people who make evil choices that will impact your life either directly or indirectly.
The bottom line is, God can take even negative things and bring something positive out of it. For instance, the testing of your faith produces patience and perseverance. It might seem at the time as if evil is triumphing, but remember, Jesus always leads you in triumph over the enemy. As long as you love the Lord and are the called according to His purpose, He will take all things and make them work together for your good. Taken alone, one thing may not seem to have any potential for good, but mix it all together and you come out on the other end with a stronger faith and having encouraged others along the way.
How many times have you been encouraged by all the Lord brought King David through? What a comfort and inspiration his life is to every believer. Yet, at the time, David probably never thought, “This is great, so many people will be encouraged by the battles and injustices and treachery I am facing in my life at every turn!”. Still, the Lord brought him through and in the end fulfilled all of His good word toward David.
So, what is the key to overcoming the fear of evil in this life? David, as is so often the case, is transparent enough for you to see what he is feeling and thinking through his words. David had no fear of evil because he knew the Lord, his Shepherd, was always with him. There is nothing to fear when you have the Lord on your side watching over you. But, why did he have to pass through that long valley full of dark shadows (the shadows are really good at giving the appearance of something being there when nothing really is!) when the Lord could have just delivered him out of it.
The same could be asked about Jesus being unjustly judged before Pilot. Why not just skip the whole thing and bask in the goodness of the Father? Where would we be then? The only way for the giant to be slain is to slay the giant. The only way for sin to be satisfied is for the price to be paid. Jesus conquered death the only way it could be conquered — by going through it.
“Father, I thank you that You are with me. Therefore, I will fear no evil! In Jesus’ name.”
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One response to “Fear No Evil”
I will fear no evil, Amen!