Psalm 23 Covenant PromisesSýnishorn

Psalm 23:4a Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me.

The next covenant name is in the first part of verse four. It tells us even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will fear no evil, for God is with us. He is revealing Himself as the Jehovah Shammah—the Lord ever-present. He says, "I will never leave you; I will never forsake you." In some Bible versions, the "valley of the shadow of death" is translated as the "valley of deep darkness." We've all had times when we felt alone—that there was no one else there with us. However, God made a covenant with us. He has promised to always be with us, always near us, never to leave us, nor forsake us—even when we are going through the deep darkness.

The next part of verse four says, "You will fear no evil." In Deuteronomy 31, we are reminded not to fear nor be dismayed. What takes the fear away is realizing that He is with us. Psalm 91 tells us not to be afraid of pestilence (all sicknesses and diseases). The ninety-first Psalm also reminds us we don't have to be fearful of destruction (natural disasters). Instead, these promises are available when we dwell in His shelter, realizing that He is our Jehovah Shammah—right there with us. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, God tells us not to be afraid because He is with us.

What is the reason God gives for instructing us not to be afraid? Simply because "He is with us!"

Focus on this thought for a moment—the God of the Universe is saying He will be with us. Hebrews 13:5 in the Amplified Version says it this way: "I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. I will not, I will not, I will not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let you down (relax My hold on you)! Assuredly not!"