---PROMISE OF PROTECTION / PLEASE READ ALL OF PSALM 23.~

-"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."
--(PSALM 23:4-6) ~~

**Psalm 23 is one of the most familiar psalms in the Scripture. It’s an amazing collection of the promises and blessings of God. One of the more interesting details here is that God doesn’t seem overly concerned about my enemies.

If it were up to me, I’d throw them in a pit. But He is going to set a table for me in their presence. According to this passage, I should not fear even then because He will be anointing me, blessing me, and showering me with goodness and love. Sometimes we have the notion that if we really love God we will never have to contend with opposition and never feel fear. God has created us with the capacity to fear, and some fear is healthy. But this passage reminds us that even in the midst of that our God is more than able to not only take care of us, but to bless us.

**THINK ABOUT IT
Do you trust God with your fears? Do you allow Him to bless you even in the midst of your fears?

**PRAYER
"Heavenly Father, we live in a sinful world where dark forces seek to pull us away. You are a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Thank You, Lord, for Your unfailing promise of protection. I can fear no evil for “Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” In Jesus’ name, amen."

**Blessings,
**Pastor Allen Jackson
***Intend Ministries--/ Psalm 23, 'The Lord is My Shepherd' /-- Ingrid DuMosch ~ <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-qLa_2GPcM>
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