“The Lord is my shepherd I will not want”.
How does this verse in Psalm 23 apply to fear? Well what is the root of fear? The loss of something, (typically in the future tense). Right? Loss of life, security (bodily, financial, etc…), loss of another person. Fear involves suffering and anxiety over things which have yet to pass, which we have no control over.
How does fear conflict with the first commandment? Here's an example, if I fear losing my job and the financial security which comes with it, then what does this say about my relationship with God? In this example two things are revealed: 1. I value, or love, financial security (or money) more than God. 2. I don’t believe God’s words or I don’t really trust Him. Perhaps at this point someone might say to me: “How can you say this? I think you’re wrongly judging those suffering through job losses. Losing a job is a terrible thing.” To which I would respond yes it is terrible. However, I know exactly how it feels to lose a job and I know I have struggled with both of these points. I’ve been laid off 5 times in my life; the first time for 6 months, the second for 9 and the last for over 8. I even witnessed my dad suffer through a 2 year layoff while he took whatever jobs he could get. My parents lost their house and car. So I’m very familiar with losing a job and the consequences (physically, emotionally and spiritually). However, I will also state that each and every time this occurred, whether in my life or my parents, God provided exactly as He promised in Matthew 6:25-34. We (and I) always had food on the table and a roof over our heads, each other and many other blessings which aren’t promised, but given because it was His good pleasure to do so. Further He did this despite my attitude towards Him.
Here’s a great example of godly faith. Abraham takes his only son whom he loves dearly. The very son God Himself promised Abraham and he obeys the word of God even though it means he will lose his son. Also in Hebrews 11:18-19 it can be seen clearly that Abraham believed the word of God. Specifically that the promise was through Isaac and not another son, even though he was about to strike down his only son, the son of promise. This displays not only Abraham's trust in God but his understanding of God’s character and faithfulness. When God makes a promise it will come to pass. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Why is it so important to acknowledge God’s goodness? First off it’s difficult to trust someone whose character is in question. Secondly, human relationships speak to this. For instance, If I were to get married, I’d hope this woman would love me for my character, for who I am (warts and all), not for superficial reasons because the superficial quickly fades when the reality of imperfection sets in. I saw this in my parents’ marriage. It’s difficult to hide the warts from your spouse, especially while enduring a severe trial (losing a job, serious health issues, both of which my parents had to endure together). Neither of my parents were perfect, but they were real with us and each other. Yes there was conflict, but after they came through it all they had a more real love and appreciation for one another, not as man defines love, but as God defines it. 1 Corinthians 13. Therefore, why would God not have that same expectation of us? I must love God. In order to love Him I must trust Him. In order to trust Him I need to believe He is who He says He is, that He truly is good and will work all things together for good to those who love Him. Also consider Jeremiah 29:11.
Lastly, concerning fear: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18. So my encouragement is to aspire to perfect love so that we may consider Him faithful in His promises to us.
