"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE WHEN YOU ARE AFRAID OF DEATH"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE WHEN YOU ARE AFRAID OF DEATH"

Psalm 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.

Some explanatory thoughts, application and a prayer:

1. David who had been a shepherd before he became a king wrote this beautiful and well known Ps. He had as a young boy developed a relationship with the Lord while being a shepherd, and thus he uses the illustrations of shepherd and sheep throughout this Ps.

2. In this particular verse, ( right in the middle of the Ps, which was proceeded by many wonderful truths about our Lord the good shepherd, and many wonderful truths follow this verse to complete the Ps ) David is dealing with what happens to sheep, and why they do not have to fear, and what the shepherd does for his sheep. 

3. We of course are referred to by Jesus as His sheep, and He as our Shepherd, in fact, He calls Himself the good shepherd.
But, let's look a little closer at some of the truths here, dealing with the fear of death, which is what this verse is all about.

(1) Ps 23a "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death" Actual sheep would often have to traverse what David calls the valley of the shadow of death. These were parts of a journey sheep would take at different times of the year, to move to better grazing land, and to move to better places to feed depending on the weather and the seasons of the year. David calls it the valley of the shadow of death. It must have appeared that way to the sheep themselves. They were afraid of these areas of travel. Just like many people are, and even many Christians. But no need to be afraid as we will see. 

(2) The Psalm goes on to say in 23b "I will fear no evil" Or simply, " I will not be afraid," The sheep because of having a shepherd did not have to be afraid, and their fears were relieved by the shepherd, just as our Shepherd, relieves our fears as well. It's helpful to face our fears with faith. Just look at the fear right in the face, and then, look right into the face of God through His Word, believe His Word, take it to heart, and act upon it, and You will find comfort and find Your fears dissipating, and just simply going away. 

(3) Here is why the sheep did not have to be afraid. David gives two reasons. Ps 23c "For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." Or in the NLT it says, "for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me."
So, the first fear reliever, is the fact that the shepherd was with the sheep. Just as the Good Shepherd is with You, and has promised never to leave you. The second reason is because of the shepherds actions towards and in the lives of the sheep. Protecting and comforting. These two reasons of course are true for those who are Jesus's sheep. He is with us, and He protects and comforts us. 

4. Here are some verses that speak to what we have just read above. God's Word is such a comfort, it's true, He is faithful, and He has such a great love for His sheep. These verses speak of God's love, God's guidance, God's precious regard for his children who die, and the fact of His love erasing all fear, i.e we as believers will not stand before God at the White Throne Judgment. Christ has already gone to the cross for our sins. We have a bright future ahead of us. 

Rom 8:38  "And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels can’t, and the demons can’t. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away."

Isa 42:16 will lead blind Israel down a new path, guiding them along an unfamiliar way. I will make the darkness bright before them and smooth out the road ahead of them. Yes, I will indeed do these things; I will not forsake them.

Ps 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His saints.

1Jo 4:18* There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

A prayer:

Lord, we appreciate Your Word so much. You have spoken the truth to us, which has set us free from the bondage of sin and darkness, and brought us into the light, and have given us eternal life with You. How can we thank You. May our lives here on earth be used by You to tell others of Your great, Amazing love. In Jesus name. Amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia