Fear No Evil
"I will fear no evil." (Psalm 23:4)
Is this statement true for us?
Should this statement be true for us? Should we ever fear evil?
Does anything exist besides Good and Evil?
If we fear no evil, then is there any logical reasoning left to fear anything at all?
If we don't fear evil, then what should our mental and emotional disposition be toward evil?
For this answer, maybe we can consider the ideas of contentment, patience, and trust in God's sovereignty. Maybe, if we experience evil and begin to fear it, we should read the most ancient story recorded in the Christian bible, and therefore the first recorded message that God ever gave to humanity - the book of Job.
I think it's safe to say that Jesus did not fear evil. And, if He was ever tempted to fear, it was probably in the Garden of Gethsemane, just before His betrayal, arrest, beating, and death. A very dramatic scenario that we will most likely never have to experience.
In Hebrews it says Jesus faced the evil experience (his arrest and crucifixion) with joy. "For the joy set before him" (Heb 12:2).
Are trials, hardships, and various forms of loss considered evil? Because all three Apostles, James, Paul, and Peter, encourage us to "rejoice", or "consider it joy", when we experience these things (James 1:2-4; Romans 5:3-5; 1 Peter 4:12,13).
I guess the point I'm trying to convey is that fear, worry, and anxiety have been accepted as being part of our lives, especially if some "evil" or misfortune occurs. But should it be this way? Can we really keep declaring that God has saved us, when we live with constant fear. Isn't fear itself the prison, and not the experience?
Consider this: Our perspectives and beliefs about a scenario are what incite emotional responses within us. The scenario is only a test to show you what is still inside of you.
Peter's greatest test (that we know of) was when his teacher, friend, and savior (Jesus) was taken away. Jesus warned Peter about this approaching evil (Luke 22: 31,32). Satan (evil) had asked to test the disciples, especially Peter. Jesus did not pray for the evil plan to be aborted. He prayed that Peter's faith would not completely fail.
Evil is a test, not a threat. Evil only does what it was given permission to do, and for the purposes known by the Sovereign Creator. Perhaps we should attempt to adjust our perspectives and beliefs about evil and fear toward perspectives and beliefs that align with the wisdom of sacred scripture.
"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."
Psalms 23:4 NIV
If we find ourselves worried, anxious, or afraid, there is an antidote to fear. It's called Love. When we experience fear we have consciously fallen (at least temporarily) from the reality of God's constant nearness and love. In such situations it can help to stop and be still. Breathe, and meditate upon God's promises of always being with us, of forever loving us, and that He has it all under His perfect control.
We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.
1 John 4:16, 18 NLT
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