Psalm 23 Part 4 No Fear Of Death When Walking With The LORD

Psalm 23:1-3  A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 

The Shepherd Psalm written by King David under the guiding hand of the Spirit of God, brings comfort and hope to our souls.

The first half of this Psalm reminds believers in Christ that Jesus is Jehovah, and He is our Great Shepherd.

Philippians 4:19  But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 

All of our needs including physical, mental and spiritual ones, are supplied by Christ.

Philippians 4:13  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 

Because our Father supplies our needs through His Son, we can do all things that He calls us to do concerning His Great Commission work.

We are called to walk a worthy walk with our LORD each day. 

We are called to walk in light not darkness.

We are called to walk in the Spirit and be led by Him.

We are called to be His faithful witnesses by sharing the gospel with people who do not know God.

In our own strength we cannot do these things and this is why we lean upon the LORD's everlasting arms so that we can serve Him as He strengthens us to do so. 

In addition, the apostle Paul tells us that each Christian has been granted all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ (See Ephesians 1:3).

This means that Christ, our Good Shepherd will lead us along through this life, just as He led King David.

He will give us all the help and support we need to follow hard after Jesus.

He will help us understand how to worship God in spirit and in truth (See John 4:23-24).

He reminds us that we must be diligent to remain connected to Christ the vine. 

When we remain attached to Christ the vine,  His spiritual nourishment and strength flow into our souls and prepares us to love and serve God, and then to love and serve others (See John 15).

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. 

Psalm 3:6-8  I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about. 7  Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. 8  Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah. 

King David wrote that he would not fear any evil doers or wicked actions against him because the LORD is with him.

The power of God was poised to help King David when he needed it the most. 

In a similar manner, David said in Psalm 3, that he would not fear his enemies even if tens of thousands were arrayed against him.

How could David make such a statement?

Because he knew from past experiences that the LORD would help him battle against his foes, no matter who they were or how strong they might be.

Salvation belongs to the LORD and He delivers us when we face insurmountable troubles.

John 10:9-11  I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. 11  I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 

David's dependence upon the LORD even when walking through the valley of the shadow of death, pictures Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd.

Jesus came to redeem us from our sins so that all who repent and trust Him might be saved.

Romans 8:11  But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. 

He is the good shepherd who gave His life for His sheep (all believers) and because Christ lives, we know that we too, shall live.

The Spirit of God regenerates our soul when we repent of our sins and call on Jesus to save us.

He comes to live in us, giving us the new heart and new spirit promised (See Ezekiel 11:19-21; 18:31; 36:26-27).

1 Corinthians 15:55-57  O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56  The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Death no longer makes the Christian afraid, for Christ has conquered it for us.

The sting of death is our sin and the law of God which condemns our sins.

However, it is Christ who died as the perfect, innocent, substitute Lamb of God to pay for our sins.

He gained victory over sin for us, and thus, though our body will wear out and die, we do not fear death.

Death for a Christian is simply falling asleep in Christ and waking up in heaven. It is a portal to heaven and the presence of our LORD.

The LORD as our shepherd walks beside us as we go through the most perilous valley in the night.

He knows where every cliff is and where every dangerous spot is located.

He will protect us and guide us through all of life's physical perils and spiritual struggles.

John 14:15-18  If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16  And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17  Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18  I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. 

The LORD will comfort us and this is the specific promise Jesus gave to all believers.

Jesus first told us that our love for Him will be proven by our readiness to keep His commandments.

He promised to send another "Comforter", the Spirit of God who indwells us when we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

God's Spirit unites us with Christ and therefore we are comforted in times of oppression, grief, or trouble.

What does this mean for us?

It means that Jehovah will never leave or abandon His children, the sheep of His pasture.

It means when I suffer a serious illness, I will not fear, for the LORD is with me.

It means when I am filled with grief or heartache or sorrow, the LORD walks beside me to offer His comfort and care.

It means that when my family suffers a setback, I am comforted by the LORD my shepherd.

It means that if I lose my ability to provide for my family due to circumstances beyond my control, that the LORD already knows about my troubles and He will open a door for me.

I cannot imagine walking through this life in such a hate filled, depraved culture, without leaning upon the LORD.

Those who are filled with hate, rage, or given over to perversion and pornography, they all need to be born again.

If you are aimlessly making your way through this life, hear the gospel for it is good news.

Christ died to save you from the penalty of your sins and not only will He give you a new heart and a new spirit, He will show you how to have a life of purpose and meaning because of knowing Him.

You must be born again and this is my prayer for all who read this blog.

Give your heart to Christ the Good Shepherd and trust Him all the time for all things. 

Bob