Daily Devotional – Tuesday, June 27, 2023
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 (NKJV)
Psalms 23 is arguably the most famous and popular song in the Bible. It depicts God as a loving and caring Shepherd and believers as trusting and obedient sheep. The psalmist then addressed then demonstrates how God inculcates fearlessness in us.
The first three verses of this psalm are positive in content and tone. The divine Shepherd leads His flock to abundant pasture and adequate water in the wilderness. There is satiation, contentment and tranquility among the sheep.
I Will Fear No Evil
In verse 4, however, David introduces the idea of risk and danger for the sheep. He states, “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).
Some Bible scholars opine that the valley of the shadow of death was a real place. It had deep ravines and steep slopes. A slight accidental move and an animal could plunge to its death. Notice, though, the Shepherd is the one that leads or allows the sheep to walk through this gloomy gorge.
The Genesis of Courage
Why then, does David state he fears no evil in the very place where evil lurks? The answer is in the words, “…for You are with me. Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” God’s presence is the best antidote for fear. Where God is welcomed and appreciated, there is peace in the midst of storms.
There is more. The Shepherd’s tools for instilling fearlessness in the sheep are the rod and the staff. Using these implements, the Shepherd ensures the sheep are safe. However, the same instruments restrain the sheep from wandering into dangerous paths.
How God Inculcates Fearlessness in Us
We can liken the rod and the staff to the word of God, which instructs and guides us while simultaneously rebuking and warning us. Fearlessness is, therefore, a result of know that God is with us but also that we are obeying and following Him faithfully.
God inculcates fearlessness in in us by walking with us, allowing us to undergo trials and temptations, disciplining us through His word, and giving us the power to overcome. This kind of courage empowers us to walk through the valleys of the shadow of death in our lives. Whatever challenges life throws at you today, do not fear, for God is with you.
Prayer
Almighty Father, because You are with me, I will not fear the challenges I face. Continue inculcating fearlessness in me.
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