Picking up from last week’s meditation Psalm 23:4 continues “…I will fear no evil…” The Hebrew word here translated evil means bad or evil, and can associate with adversity, affliction, and calamity. It seems that as David makes this declaration he is refusing to focus on the shadow of this valley. It is a battle for sure to pull our focus away from these issues when they are looming and present with us, but to focus our attention on them leads to anxiety, fear, and doubt, which things the Bible, and Jesus Himself, warns us against becoming overwhelmed by. Probably most of us including myself, have not yet reached the place of perfect contentment when the storm or battle is raging around us, but we must, as Paul exhorted Timothy, “…endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” and “Fight the good fight of faith”, 2 Timothy 2:3 and 6:12, fighting until the battle is finished. Listen to the words of Scripture, “Do not fear little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” Luke 12:32; and in Matthew 6:25 Jesus said “Do not worry…” The original word used here is the same one used in Philippians 4:6-7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God…will guard…” In the face of death itself Jesus said “Do not be afraid, only believe” Mark 5:36. In the midst of the storm hear Jesus words to the fearful disciples, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid” Matthew 14:27. And in another storm He said, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Matthew 8:2. You may be going through a deep dark valley or a raging storm today, but take courage, the future is just as bright as God’s promises to His children; remember Jesus words in Matthew 28:20 “…I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Trust and rest
By Rose Hill
When you trust in God and in righteousness dwell,
You can rest in Him that all is well.
Trusting in God you can cast every care,
Then you will know that fear isn’t there!
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright …1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission.