“…I will fear no evil: for thou art with me…” (Psalms 23:4b)

The Supply is the third major heading in the general outline of Psalms 23:1-6. Under this heading, David lists three side points; because “The LORD is my shepherd”:

• “I shall not want” – Why? because:
  1. “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures”
  2. “He leadeth me beside the still waters”
  3. “He restoreth my soul”
  4. “He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness”
• “I will fear no evil” – Why? because:
  1. “For thou art with me”
  2. “Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me”
  3. “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies”
  4. “Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over”
  5. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life”
• “I will dwell in the house of the LORD”
  1. “For ever.”

This devotion’s primary target is:

A. The What: “I will fear no evil”

B. The Why: “for thou art with me”

We begin with:

A. The What: “I will fear no evil”

Note first the definition of “fear” (#3372); as a noun, “fear” is defined as “an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by expectation or awareness of danger.” In this definition, the following synonyms help to define this word: “alarm, anxiety, dread, fright.” Used here as a verb, “fear” is “to be afraid of; have fear”; or “to be apprehensive.” Some of the synonyms are “fret, sweat, trouble, worry.”

Secondly, note the definition of “evil” (#7451); as a noun, “evil” is defined here in Psalm 23:4 as (1) “evil actions or deeds”; (2) “a source of sorrow, distress, or calamity.” Synonyms are “bad, iniquity, sin, wrong,” etc. As an adjective, “evil” is defined as (1) “wicked”; (2) “causing or threatening distress or harm.” Synonyms are “damaging, detrimental, harmful, injurious,” etc.

David made a public confession, because “The LORD is my shepherd… I (personal) will fear (have no fright; no emotion from expectant danger) no evil (nothing that can bring me harm or injury, not even sin).”

This statement reveals the Peace David had, as a Sheep of Christ, the Shepherd. Fear is a very strong emotion; one that can cause great anxiety, can cause one to panic, and can even cause disastrous health problems.

This statement reveals, not only the Peace David walked in, but also the Perception of the Security David had in the Shepherd, and in the Shepherd’s ability. David knew the Shepherd personally. David knew of his Position in the Shepherd; that is, he knew he was of the Shepherd’s Fold.

This Peace and this Perception that David had, wherein he could boldly say, “I will fear no evil,” were based on his knowledge of his Position in, and to, the Shepherd; and on his experience of the Shepherd’s Presence with him.

B. The Why: “for thou art with me”

“Thou (being the Shepherd, Jehovah) art with me” – meaning David knew that The Shepherd was Present with him at all times.

There was no time that the Shepherd would, or had, forsaken him. From the time that Samuel anointed David to become king over all Israel (1 Samuel 16), to the moment David wrote Psalm 23 – “Jehovah” had always been with David. He was ever-present with David; always watching over him, guiding him, leading him, restoring him, providing for him, etc.

David knew who his Shepherd was; that is, Jehovah, the Creator, Controller and Consummator of all of His Creation. He knew that this One, True and Living God was his (“my”) Shepherd, by a Divine Work of Grace for him, and in him, and through him. David knew (he had perception of the fact) that he was a Sheep, part of “The Fold of The Shepherd.” Therefore, no evil could hurt him, physically or spiritually.

Child of Grace, you should have this same Peace that David had; for if you have been Regenerated by the Spirit of God, and brought to confess Him as your Lord and Savior; knowing that He lives in you; knowing that He is your Father, your God, your Savior, your Provider and Protector; knowing of His Promises, and that these Promises are for you – then you have the Peace with God and the Peace of God.

That is, you know He is your Peace by the Blood of His Atonement; which Reconciled you to Him, Redeemed you from the curse of the law (spiritual death), and declared you to be Righteous in Him (or justified). Also, you now possess the Peace of God in your daily life, because you have the witness that Jehovah (Joshua; or Jesus) lives within you; that you possess His Victory, His Power, and His Security; that nothing can separate you from the Love of God (Romans 8:29-39).

Paul knew this truth, and revealed it so plainly in these verses:

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13)

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

Oh, what a Supply my Shepherd has given me! Yes, my Shepherd is with me always, forever and ever, in this life and in the life to come (Hebrews 13:5c).

Child of God, rejoice – Rejoice that you know (without doubt) by experience, “I will fear no evil: for thou art with me.”