NOTE TWO THINGS THAT HAPPEN IN THE “VALLEY.” {Psalm 23:4}
1. There is EVIL. Evil is there in its various forms! But it is not to be bowed down to nor feared. David says “I will fear no evil…” David had determined, resolutely by his stand and statement of faith. He had nailed his color’s to the mast. He had placed a stake down, whatever about anyone else and their journey through the valley of various types he said “I WILL….” How often I live by my feelings, like a child “I don’t feel like….” “I feel like…” and I am tossed like a bobbing cork on the raging waves of the sea. Up and down, consistently- inconsistent! One minute trusting, the next minute doubting. Evil exists in the valley. The evil, to tempt us to doubt God’s character, promise, goodness ability. The evil of the unseen fiery darts to the mind. The presence of evil in others. Fear is present, seeking to inject thughts to emotionally and spiritually paralyze you in its varied and hideous forms. Evil and its fears may be present but they do not have the controlling factor, for you there is a “But God…”
2. There Is The SHEPHERD. Note David’s confidence because of the presence of the Shepherd.“I will fear No evil!” Note his determination, it is a settled conviction, maintained by faith,”I WILL fear NO evil.” The evil, irrespective of what form it presented itself would not master him. He would not bow down to it. His motivation was because of truth. He knew he was not alone but in the presence of evil was the One who was the Conquering, Protectiong, Comforting, Companion Shepherd.”ou are With me, Your rod and staff, they comfort me.” How amazing, the rest of faith. Resting in Him. The realization He was not alone but the presence of the SHEPHERD, COMFORTED HIM AS HE WALKED THROUH THE VELLEY. “I WILL fear no evil, FOR YOU ARE WITH ME.” The Companionship of the Conquering Shepherd was his object of faith. His presence greater than evil. Himself the companion for the journey as he walked through the valley. His presence was the psalmist courage to say “I WILL fear no evil, for YOU are with me”
TWO TRUTHS for every valley, there is the presence of evil. There is the Shepherd. Companionship of the Conquering Shepherd to COMFORT and enable you to walk Courageously through the valley! The psalmist acknowledges both, but focus’s on the Shepherd.”I shall not want.. HE makes me lie down.. HE leads me… HE Guides me… HE restores me… HE comforts me… HE prepares a feast for me… HIS goodness and mercy pursue me… I will dwell in HIS house all the day of my life.
Fear in the valley is acknowledged but not the precoccupation of the mind… the Shepherd is…! Courage comes from focusing not on the evil but on the companionship of the Conquering, Comforting Shepherd! CHOOSE to CONCENTRATE your THINKING and meditating upon Him. Don’t focus on the fear, but on the faithful Shepherd! Realize you have the power not to succumb to fear evil,”I WILL fear no evil” Why? Because the LORD your SHEPHERD the Conqueror of evil is with you to walk you through the valley!
Companionship and Courage from the Shepherd’s presence, strenghtens you to walk through the valley.
Think on, and Trust the Shepherd