“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” (Psalm 23:4)

We have a Good Shepherd. He watches over us and takes care of us. He keeps us out of trouble and protects us from danger…we do not have to be afraid.  Fear tends to be our worst enemy in life’s journey.  It robs us of the peace that God desires us to enjoy.  It can blur our vision of the situation around us and we can become “glass half empty” people.  It can even effect relationships by making us suspicious of the people around us. This can wreak havoc in our lives. Fear makes it easy to forget that our God is not only Shepherd but the King of Kings. He sits on the throne and He is in control.

Fear can also paralyze us.  When we are afraid we tend to freeze in our tracks.  Decisions become impossible for us to make.  We are afraid of what is ahead or what “could” happen so we sit still.  We call it the “deer in the headlights” syndrome.  We simply stand still and allow life to run over us.

In this Psalm, David says even when things are bad he does not fear.  His confidence is in God and, therefore, he is not afraid of evil. It is true that the world can be a dangerous place and, it is true that there is an enemy that is trying to rob us of the abundant life we were created to experience.  Jesus said,

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)

There is a sobering truth that the world has opposing forces that battle for your soul.  It can be a scary thought.  But we can walk in the same confidence as David when we choose Jesus to be our Good Shepherd.  He gives life…abundant life.  The beloved disciple, John gave a great perspective when he said,

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them (evil in the world), because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

If God is for us…who can be against us?  We are carefully guarded and watched by the Good Shepherd.  Nothing can stand against Him.  We should “fear no evil” today…or any day, for that matter. Here these words:

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…” (Psalm 46:1)

O Believer, be encouraged and live this day knowing that the Shepherd is watching over you.  He will protect you.