READING: Psalms 15, 23, 24-25, 47
“I fear no danger, for you are with me.”
Psalm 23:4
Psalm 23 was the first full chapter of the Bible I memorized. I used the King James Version Bible, and I still remember the KJV English. If I’m honest, though, I memorized the words at age 13, but I’m still learning what they mean at age 57.
I’m particularly aware of these words today: “Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me” (Psa. 23:4). What some versions read as “the valley of death” is essentially any dark valley into which we cannot see, yet through which we must also pass. All of us face such valleys in life, and they are at least alarming if not threatening and scary. The deepest darkness is always disconcerting unless you have light to lead the way.
The psalmist, of course, knew he was not alone in this journey; he knew his divine Shepherd was with him all the way. Using the image of a shepherd’s rod and staff, the psalmist found comfort in the truth that God would guide, protect, and watch over His sheep.
God is with us (or in the KJV language, “thou art with me”). When we believe and remember this truth, our worries dissipate. Our fears lose their power. We tackle the tough assignments, knowing we’re not alone. We walk into the darkest places, going there because we know we carry the light there. No mountain is too high to climb, and no valley is too deep to cross. No sin is too powerful to conquer—for the God who defeated sin lives within us.
God is with us, so I shalt not fear. Period.
ACTION STEPS:
- Determine what most causes you fear, and give it to God in prayer. He is with you.
- Think of all the people in the world who today follow false gods that can never be with them. Pray for them.
PRAYER: “God, thank You for being with me. Amen.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Psalms 89, 96, 100, 101, 107
