Advent Conspiracy Devotional: Saturday, December 18th

Scripture: Psalm 23:4
 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Reflection: The words above are taken from some of the most well known words in the whole Bible, and certainly the most famous of the Psalms. 

            Psalm 23 is a psalm of comfort, but it doesn’t paint a rosy picture with nothing but happy times.  Instead, the psalm actually gives a fairly grim description of the situation that the author is in.  There seem to be difficulties and enemies all around, and those that oppose him are closing in. 

            But the comfort shines through so clearly in the words, ‘but I will fear no evil’.  In the midst of the darkest valley – or the more familiar ‘valley of death’ the author fears no evil, why?  Because God is with him and God, the Good Shepherd’s rod and staff comfort him. 

            In the midst of difficulty and darkness, we have the capacity to be free of fear.  We are able to be free of fear because Jesus Christ, God himself is present with us.  We do not walk through the dark valley of death – or anywhere for that matter – alone.  God is with us and God’s presence protects us.

Question: Do you tap into the power of God’s presence to free yourself from fear?  How do you feel God’s presence?