Discipleship Against FearSample

Fear is a relatively common emotion. When things seem out of our control, we tend to feel fear and anxiety. Our vulnerability and finite capacities create uncertainty. We don’t know what will happen next. The world is a terrifying place when we are on our own. Thankfully, we are not alone. We have a shepherd. The ancient shepherd’s primary responsibility was to provide the sheep with their basic needs and to protect the sheep from predators and thieves. The shepherd cares for the flock and ensures that they “lack nothing” (Ps 23:1; cf. Deut 2:7; 8:9; Neh 9:21). When God is our shepherd, we will experience security and can be content with what we have.

Knowing that we have security opens up a sense of trust in our shepherd. We know that he will lead us along paths that provide nourishment and refreshment. We trust that God is a capable shepherd who “makes me lie down in green pastures” and “leads me beside still waters” (Ps 23:2). He leads us in “paths of righteousness” so that His name is not profaned among the nations (23:3; Ezek 20:22).

The security God provides is such that even in times of trouble, we can be sure he will care for us. Because God is with us, we need not fear evil (Ps 23:4). God stands ready to protect us with his “rod and staff.” We are not afraid because no evil, no threat, and no problem is a match for our Shepherd.

Beyond protection, God will ultimately exalt us in the midst of our enemies. His deliverance is not limited to the present but extends to a final state in which we will dine in the presence of our enemies, having been anointed with oil (23:5). The imagery here reminds us that the world will not be broken forever. God will restore his people and provide ultimate peace (23:6).

Fear is an emotion with which we will continue to deal as we live in a fallen world. Yet, as we recognize that God is not only able but willing to care for us and to provide us with an ultimate deliverance, we also recognize there is nothing to fear. In Christ, who conquered sin and death, we know that “to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21).