John.Creel
Don’t Be Afraid
Psalms 23:4
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
There is amazing comfort in the Old Testament Psalms twenty three. We get a glimpse into the confidence of king David because of his confidence in the God of all creation. Notice, the phrase “I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;” and the preliminary part of the sentence “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.” The cause and effect relationship in this scripture reveals that we should fear no evil because God is with us. He takes this to the very extreme of even death, that even what seems like the end in the natural realm is like a shadow. A shadow can be walked directly through without harm of the object casting the shadow as the shadow is harmless. The scripture teaches all live unto Him. If we had all the security forces of every nation on earth at our disposal but God was not with us then the strength of the horse is a vain thing in the day of battle. In other words, if God is with us and we are walking in his perfect will and being directed by His Holy Spirit then we are in the safest place we could be because our creator is with us. He promised He would never leave us nor forsake us and holy scripture teaches that the day of ones death is better than the day of ones birth.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your
heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Notice the parallel between the Old Testament promise of God’s presence and the New Testament promise Jesus taught the disciples in real time in His mission on earth in the flesh, the son of God, to take away the sins of the world. He did not deny the challenges that existed in this world, or make a promise He could not keep because His promises are yes and amen. He tells us not to let our hearts be troubled or be afraid because He would give us His peace. The peace that Jesus gives is not the peace that the world gives because the world cannot give faith, hope, love, and eternal life. Jesus is the only way to the Father and His death on the cross for sin paved the way for us to have reconciliation with God. The rainbow was the sign of the covenant God made after the flood that He would not destroy the world through a flood again. Jesus died on a cruel cross having not one blemish of sin or error in His life for the guilty and all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, so the world could repent and have a bridge to God by Jesus Christ. Jesus also promised that if He went away to the Father, He would return so that those who believe in Him, that He is in truth the son of the living God could have everlasting life. He promises a place prepared for those that believe and receive this love that passeth knowledge and love Him because He first loved us. The song Amazing Grace says when we’ve been there ten thousand years bright shining as the sun. Oh how temporal this live and how short even at a hundred years compared to eternity. Jesus loves you and cares for you. He has been touched by the feelings of our infirmity and knows what it is like to feel pain. He loved you enough to die for you and He would that none should perish but that all should come to the knowledge of the truth. The savior promised that if you believe in Him you will not be ashamed. Your best life is just ahead of you and guess what, it lasts forever. Jesus gives life and that more abundantly. All we have to do is ask. His mercy and grace are extended to you, you will be glad you trusted in the Savior and thank Him throughout all ages.
Romans 5:10
For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being
reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
