"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me".
Psalm 23:4:
Simply stated, shadows are overcast of the real thing. They lack substance and have only the power or influence assigned to them in our minds. The valley of the shadow of death is not death, but just the threat of death. Beyond no longer having a residence in the land of the living, death signifies the end of something. Items on the list are subject to the person. Therefore, the something is likely to be both intangible and tangible, such as the loss of a relationship, a job, or prestige, as well as the loss of possessions. The longer we live, the more likely we are to suffer a loss that affects us emotionally. The loss of relationships can open the door to emotions that lead us to question our self-worth and the authenticity of the relationship. For the most part, we do not expect those we believe love us to be capable of hurting us, with or without cause. Some place the demand on their inner circle to discern every sigh or expression. In reality, only God knows our inner thoughts, even those we dare not reveal to anyone. The loss of a relationship has led many believers to internalize feelings of loneliness.
Knowing that God is always with us takes the sting out of emotional baggage. As we endeavor to build a relationship with God, our confidence grows. The more we believe in God, the more we trust God. When we trust God, fear loses its grip upon us. Like the psalmist, we will declare that we fear no evil. Confidence is not about everything being well, but about realizing what it means to have God with us. An unshakable belief that God is with us evicts all negative thoughts about the threat of loss and the loss God allows. At this stage, we have surrendered our lives fully to God and are trusting Him to lead us. Come what may, God is not surprised. By design, He employs those things that would cause fear to produce spiritual growth and draw us closer to Him. Nevertheless, the choice laid before us is to fear or trust. When we know God is with us, we boldly live our lives by faith, refusing to be discouraged.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God”.
Isaiah 41:10
“As I realize that God is with me, I understand the power backing me allows me to be unstoppable for the Holy of God”_ASA
Chronicles of ASA 