If you are going through a hard time, you can’t see a way out, and are in fear of what tomorrow may bring, read Psalm 23 but focus on verse four for now.

Verse four says, “Even 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 comfort me.”

If you are a Christian, you are a child of God and this is what you need to realize: You may be in that “valley” that is filled with fear, but it says you are going THROUGH it. Consider it as a prophecy that you are already victorious over the fear but your part is to keep walking and not let the shadows (fear) intimidate you.

Shadows have no substance. They are here one minute and gone the next. The same is true with fear, but if you dwell on it, you give it more strength.

You are going through the valley, but you are not alone. Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

And Hebrews 13:5,  “. . . . “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

The last part of verse 4 in Psalm 23, “Your rod and staff, they comfort me”. Sheep are timid animals and are afraid of everything, but the presence of their shepherd is comforting to them. His rod and staff are weapons to be used against enemies.

As a child of God, you have a rod which is the Word of God, and you have a staff, your faith. These two “weapons” are what puts fear into “fear” itself.

When fear tries to intimidate you, remember these 5 things:

1. You are not alone. God is with you by His Holy Spirit.

2. You are walking THROUGH the valley. It’s not permanent.

3. Shadows (fears) come and go, they have no real substance and cannot hurt you.

4. Keep walking, by faith, knowing you will be victorious.

5. Your two weapons, the Word of God and your faith, will always win over fear.

Finally, the number five is the number of Grace. So if you can’t remember the five things above, just remember the Grace of God.

The Grace of God is defined as “divine favor”. The favor of God can be described as “tangible evidence that a person has the approval of the Lord.” You have His approval. He is always with you to uphold you with His righteous Hand. His rod (Word) and your staff (faith) cannot be overcome by any enemy, including fear.

So whether you are facing an appointment with the dentist, dreading a doctor’s diagnosis, a little apprehensive about the bills that may come in the mail, or whatever it is that may try to instill fear into your life, remember Psalm 23, verse one and don’t let fear intimidate you.