Fear has no socio-economic distinctions. Fear is common to all human beings. The Bible tells us that “fear involves torment” (I John 4:18). Rest assured that “God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and love and a sound mind” (II Timothy 1:7). Fear can be debilitating and devilish, destroying faith. How can we overcome fear?

One of my favorite scripture verses is “The Shepherds Psalm” – Psalm 23. In verse 4 we read, “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 comforts me.” Many make a grave mistake in relegating this verse to being simply a “funeral psalm”. No pun intended. We travel through many dark valleys while on earth. But we need not fear any evil if we trust the Lord to be our shepherd and we trust in His loving care. Consider some of the reasons we should “fear no evil”.

First – THE PRESENCE OF THE SHEPHERD. The psalmist David knew that His shepherd was with him in every valley and in every situation. The Word of God gives us a powerful key in overcoming fear and anxiety. “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us” (I John 4:18-19 NKJV). To overcome fear you must get a revelation of how much God loves you. Look at the cross of Christ.

Second – THE PROTECTION OF THE SHEPHERD. “Your rod and your staff they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). Our Shepherd carries a big stick. God’s Word brings protection and comfort. Faith comes by hearing and believing the Word of God.
Third – THE POWER OF THE SHEPHERD. (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-18; Acts 1:8)

Fourth – THE PROMISE OF THE SHEPHERD. “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the ends of the world” (Matthew 28:20).

Fifth – THE PEACE OF THE SHEPHERD. “He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters” (Psalm 23:2). Our Lord speaks peace to the storms that rage around us. Trust in Him! (Matthew 8:23-26; John 14:1-4)

Sixth – THE PRAYER OF THE SHEPHERD. He intercedes for His children. (John 17:9-15) We are to “cast every care on Him because He cares for us” (I Peter 5:7; Philippians 4:6-9).

Seventh – THE SHEPHERD’S PARDON. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6).

If you have the assurance that your sins are forgiven and you possess eternal life, you need to fear no evil for He is yours and you are His. Receive Him today as Lord and Savior. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).