Pages

RSS Feed

Friday, May 6, 2016

There is No Reason to be Afraid or to Fear

In review of Psalm 23:4 it says, “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me”

Bottom Line:
Dark times can come, but there is no need to fear, you will be close by, providing comfort and guidance.

What this means to me:
Even though I may walk through some dark times, I will not be afraid or fear evil. You will always be close beside me, guarding and guiding much like a shepherd who really cares for his flock.

There are so many things and reasons to be afraid in today’s world. But this verse reminds me of God’s promise, that even in my darkest valleys and times, he is walking beside me.

Rick Warren points out that there are 365 verses in the Bible that say, “Fear not.” God provided us with one “Fear not” message for every day of the year! God is saying, “Get the message. Don’t be afraid.” It’s interesting that almost every time God talks to someone in the Bible, the first thing he says is, “Don’t be afraid!”

Why? Because generally our hurts and hang-ups can often cause us to think that God is out to get us, that all he wants to do is condemn us and punish us. But that simply isn’t true. Jesus is the proof of that.

However when I understand God’s grace and mercy, then I have no need to fear the future. God isn’t trying to get even. Jesus has taken the penalty for everything I’ve ever done wrong or will do wrong. He paid for it on the cross. So when a bad thing happens, there is no reason for me to think, “God’s now getting even with me.” Instead, remember this verse, “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me” (Psalms 23:4 NLT).

0 comments: