Shepherded: Psalm 23 for the Single ChristianPrøve

# I Fear Nothing The valley is a low point on a journey. We all find ourselves in valleys at one time or another…and it can be scary, can’t it? Fear so easily finds its way into our hearts in the valley. As a single person, fear related to the future can become brutal in the valley. Can you relate to any of these fears? * I’m afraid I will be alone. * I’m afraid I will be overlooked and forgotten. * I’m afraid the desires of my heart will never be fulfilled, and I’ll live with an ache forever. * I’m afraid I will choose the wrong person and end up broken-hearted. * I’m afraid I will not be loved or chosen. * I’m afraid if I open my heart up, I will be betrayed. * I’m afraid I will be rejected. Fear is a real thing, and fear can rob us of so much goodness and peace in the present. Jesus spoke to this in Matthew 6:34, > “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” He goes on to encourage you to look first to Jesus, seek Him above all else – and He will come through for you. In Psalm 23:4, we see David give voice to where he finds comfort in the valley: the Shepherd’s presence, with a rod in one hand and a staff in the other. The rod and staff are symbolic here of protection (a rod to beat away predators and thorns) and guidance (a staff to steer the sheep). The presence of the Shepherd means you are both safe and guided, no matter how dark or deep the valley where you find yourself. What fears are you wrestling with? Where in your heart do you need the comfort of God’s presence? Ask Him to meet you in these fears and bring the comfort, guidance, and protection you need. Choose to take courage: you have nothing to fear when the Shepherd is with you.