FREEDOM FROM FEAR

Psalm 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” (Ps. 23:4 KJV).

I.        THE VALLEY OF DANGER IN LIFE

1.      There are occasions when the straight and narrow path of righteousness leads through a dark, gloomy, discouraging, and fearful valley.   

2.      Nowhere in all of Scripture are we promised that if we will life a good life everything will be rosy and happy, joyful and successful.   

II.   A BOLD CONFESSION OF FAITH

1.      The longer we walk with the Good Shepherd the more we learn to trust him.   

2.      He is still the same Good Shepherd and he hasn’t changed since the time David wrote this psalm.   

III.  A GREAT TRIBUTE OF PRAISE

1.      He is praising God not only for what he has done but for what he is persuaded God will do in the future.

2.      Unless we have had experience with the Good Shepherd on the sunny days of life, we may be overcome with fright and uncertainty when we come to the dark valleys.   

IV.  A PERSONAL TESTIMONY

1.      This is not a prayer request from David; it is his personal testimony.   

a.     He is encouraging each of us to let the Good Shepherd become our Shepherd.

b.     He is encouraging each of us to follow the Shepherd closely.

c.     He is encouraging each of us to develop such an intimate relationship and fellowship with the Good Shepherd that we will be able to face the dark and dangerous periods of life with confidence.