RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2021-02-16	Why David Said, 'I Will Fear No Evil' (Ps.23:4)
		Psa 23:1  The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psa 23:2  He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. Psa 23:3  He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. Psa 23:4  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. Psa 23:5  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Psa 23:6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever. This is one of the most often quoted Psalm of comfort written by David. In the midst of a dark valley circumstance in life we discover David had no fear (v.4). David knew that God's presence with him overcomes even the worst things he can face in life. Psalm 23 introduces us to the Lord as a loving and faithful Shepherd. This is a familiar image in both the Old and New Testaments. The more we become familiar with God as a Shepherd, we begin to see how He guides. We begin to see how He cares for us, and protects us, and provide our every need. Even if God leads us into a dark valley, we should confidently say, “I will fear no evil.” The word “evil” means “that which causes harm or trouble”. Even when we are challenged with the most difficult times, David and thus us, would not fear any harm. Because the Lord walks with us as our Shepherd we have no reason to be afraid. He is with us in times of loss, illness, injury, and grief. These words of encouragement have been to His faithful followers throughout the Bible. God said to the patriarchs, “I am the God of your father Abraham; do not fear, for I am with you” (Ge.26:24). As Joshua and the people of Israel prepared for battle, God said “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them” (Du.31:6). God told David and Solomon, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD God—my God—will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD” (1Ch.28:20) The writer of the book of Hebrews reminds us, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (He.13:5). Fearing evil and trusting God do not mix. When we know the Lord personally, we can say when David said a few Psalms later (Ps.27:1). Psa 27:1  The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? Later another Psalmist said, “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Ps.118:6) Then Paul tells us, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Ph.4:6). In our darkest hour, and most trying time, we must remember that God is near (Ps.34:18). He is our Shepherd, and we are in His constant care. And so when we have this knowledge that the Shepherd is with us that we can confidently say, “I will fear no evil”. Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

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