No Fear - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2024

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.
Psalm 23:4

No Fear
Most labor unions, when negotiating for new contracts, seek to build many fringe benefits into the pay package. Some of these are job security, complete health care, holiday pay, sick benefits, retirement pensions, and finally, life insurance. All this seems very appropriate and even necessary for this life. Yet all that can be taken away in a moment. Nothing is secure in this world. But the sheep that follow the Shepherd have the assurance of the Lord's presence with them, and with that all the fringe benefits they need.

Following the Lord in the path He leads, the only right path, may take me through the valley of the shadow of death. But as the psalmist says, "I will fear no evil." Why can he say this with such confidence? Because the Shepherd is there with him, and there is nothing to fear. In the first three verses the psalmist spoke about the Shepherd. Now he speaks to Him. He is just that close. With the staff the Shepherd pulls back the sheep from impending danger; with His rod He wards off the enemies. There are many mighty foes lurking about to scatter the sheep and devour those they can capture. But the Lord is our safety and strength, our comfort, and our Guide.

Absolutely nothing can unsettle the saint of God who is walking in conscious sweet communion with the Shepherd. What could be done to a man like the apostle Paul? If men would have killed him he would only have obtained what he desired: to be with Christ which is far better.

Jacob Redekop

Yea, though I walk in death's dark vale,

Yet will I fear no ill:

For Thou art with me; and Thy rod

And staff me comfort still.

F. Rous