Fear Is Not My Future | 21 Days of Prayer and Fastingنموونە

Psalm 23 is one of the most respected and practical Psalms in the collection. David was trained as a boy and spent most of his youth caring for sheep. He would have learned under the tutelage of his father and older brothers.

The position of the Shepherd is one of courage in leadership. The Shepherd is fully responsible for the well-being of all the sheep. It would take the full devotion of the Shepherd to meet the needs of these sheep.

In Psalm 23:4 we are introduced to the deepest need of vulnerability for sheep. The valley of the shadow of death and the evil ‘one.’ Sheep were led by their shepherd to the sweetest fields of pasture for their safety. They had to trust the judgment of the Shepherd.

Green pastures and still waters are often at the base of mountains. To get to those fields of prosperity and nourishment, you had to cross THROUGH the valley. When in the valley, one of the sides of the mountains would block the sunlight. The valley seemed intimidating because of the size of the mountains on either side.

Your life often takes you into the valley. The valley in Psalm 23 felt like death. Something was blocking the light, and the shadow loomed larger than life. Fear would set into the human spirit. It will paralyze you. What do we do in those moments? Listen for the voice of the Shepherd.

This season of Prayer and Fasting is an invitation to become an overcomer. To walk through the valley with courage, confidence, and victory, you need to rely on several promises. Focus on the ‘I Will’ in Psalm 23.

Application: (List 3 valleys you have been through; are going through or are in currently.)