Psalm 23:4

“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.”

At least two things strike me each time I consider Psalm 23: First, the mortality rate for all humans is 100%. Isn’t that an amazing bit of truth? I am sure that you are impressed with my grasp of reality. The fact is, however, that many of us seem to forget that reality. As believers we often struggle and fight to hold onto a life that is destined for the grave.

I am not sure how many of you have experienced looking down the barrel of a loaded gun. I had that experience only one time. When I was a police officer, we were chasing a deranged man with a gun. He fired one shot and grazed one officer. As we tackled him I suddenly saw his gun aimed at my forehead. The Lord had more plans for me, so we disarmed him and here I am still serving the Lord.

In Ecclesiastes 3:2, Solomon says that there is a time to be born and a time to die. That fact is a certainty. Far too many Christians hold onto life as if there is no promise of everlasting life with the Lord. When those who know the Lord slip beyond this earthly tent, there is joy unspeakable and full of glory. We need to comfort ourselves with this reality.

The second thing that strikes me about Psalm 23:4 is the word shadow. As I have noted before, shadows always appear larger than the real object. Satan loves to make things appear to be huge and frightening. The promise that the Lord gives us is that He is with us. That being the case, we need not fear.

Are you experiencing fear right now? Trust Him as your personal Savior and Lord and allow Him to fight the battles for you. He is worthy of our trust! Meditate on Proverbs 3:5-6; “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today trust Him completely and be a blessing!

- – - Pastor Cecil