Confidence in Crisis
Scripture: “Even 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.” – Psalm 23:4
Psalm 23 is very personal. There are no references to “we” or “us” or “they,” but only “my” and “me” and “I” and “You.” This is one of the most comforting verses in the bible. A person could be passing through the valley of sickness, financial loss, frustration, marital turbulence and disgrace, dishonour etc. it says that when I am walking in tough times, even to the point of death I will not fear because of the Lord’s protection.
We fear because we feel like we are alone. I guarantee you that if you were walking and you could see Jesus right beside you, speaking with you with His arm around you, no fear will be in your heart. I don’t have to be afraid of the valley of death. Because I have a relationship with God. The bible says in Hebrews 13:5b-6 says it like this: “He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?
How Fear Comes
- Sin is the greatest instrument of death. It was tied to a tree and Adam and Eve were warned not to eat the fruit because the day that they did, they shall die. This was the first introduction to the word “death”. It came forth because of the disobedience of Adam and Eve to God’s word.
- Fear paralyses faith and without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). He has promised that He will walk with me through that valley. God has promised to walk with you every step of the way. God promises His presence.
Lack of knowledge, The bible says in “My People are destroyed because lack of Knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). Some fear will have are based on ignorance or taboos we grew up with as children. This is in our best interest to go for truth of God’s word. This is dispel fear from our heart.
[pullquote] For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. – 2 Timothy 1:7[/pullquote]
Finally, adopt the heart of the fighter, remember “Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4). There is no valley, no matter how dark, that you will go through alone. He will not leave you. Fix your eyes on Jesus, your Good Shepherd. Stick close to Him. Trust that He knows the way through this valley and will see you safely through. Believe that He has good reasons for taking this route, even though it is hard and unfamiliar. And hold on to the truth that there is something better waiting on the other side of this valley.
God Bless you
Prayer Points
- Father thank you for your Spirit in me
- Father, let your power deliver me from the bondage of fear in the Name of Jesus.
- Mention the type of fear (death, failure, rejection, etc.) and command it to leave