The Good Shepherd: Devotions Inspired by Psalm 23Sample

No Fear 

By Anna Byrd 

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8–9 (NIV) 

If I told you in this moment, “Don’t think about a purple elephant,” what happens? Do you instantly get a picture of a purple elephant in your mind? And if I describe it as a big purple elephant, does it take on even more shape and life in your thoughts? 

Joshua 1:8 tells us we should meditate on the Word of God day and night. I think we can easily over-spiritualize the word “meditate” because we hear it in church, but did you know you are already meditating daily? Meditating is nothing more than thinking, contemplating, or reflecting on something. So when you worry about the unknown—guess what— you’re meditating. When you worry about your kids, your finances, or your job, you’re meditating. You are choosing to think about something constantly. 

When we focus our attention on the wrong things or circumstances out of our control, we experience stress, anxiety, and fear. I heard this quote from pastor and author Timothy Keller: “Anxiety is the result of a collapsing false god.” Wow! Think about that for a moment. Worry is fear of the unknown, and fear is ultimately faith in the wrong things. 

Several years ago, my old boss sent me a meeting request. My mind began to race: Why would he want to meet with me? Am I not reaching my goals? Did I say something I shouldn’t have on a customer service call? Are they letting me go? There I was: losing sleep, stress-eating my entire pantry, and putting my faith in fear. When our meeting finally arrived, my boss said he wanted to promote me to another role I honestly didn’t think I was qualified for. It was the complete opposite outcome of what I had been meditating on all week! 

If I had fully trusted in God’s good plans for me, I wouldn’t have had a second thought on that email—regardless of the outcome. You see, Galatians 5:6 tells us that faith works through love. When we know God loves us, it is so much easier to believe He will do what’s best for us. In addition, Psalm 23:4 lets us know that we never have to fear. Why? Because our Good Shepherd is always with us and by our side. 

My personal example may seem small, but every time we are faced with the unknown—financial strain, a bad doctor’s report, a broken marriage, infertility, family dysfunction—we are given an opportunity to either put our faith in fear or put our faith in God’s perfect love. I love what Jesus says in Matthew 7:11 (NIV): “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Today, let’s choose to release the things we can’t control and cast our worries, anxieties, and fears into His strong, capable hands. 

PRAYER 

Heavenly Father, You love me. Help me believe that every day. I cast all my worries, anxieties, and fears on You. Forgive me for trying to take things into my own hands and not trusting You are in control and want what’s best for me. As I read and reflect on Your Word, increase my faith in Your perfect love! In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION   

• Ask the Holy Spirit to help you identify what you are giving your attention to that is stealing your peace. Write those things down and then write what the Lord says about them.   
• Replace negative thoughts with the truth of God’s Word. Memorize and meditate daily on the verses for further study or other Scripture that speaks to the topic causing you to fear. Consider writing the verses on index cards and putting them around your house and in your car.

Holy Spirit, what are You saying to me today?

MEMORY VERSE

Yea, 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. Psalm 23:4