Unafraid

Unafraid

Bible: Psalms 23

Reading

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,

I will fear no evil, for you are with me (V.4).

Hae Woo (not her real name) was imprisoned in a North Korean prison camp for crossing the border into China. The days and nights were torture, she said, with brutal guards, back-breaking work and little sleep on an ice-cold floor with rats and lice. But God helped her each day, including showing her which prisoners to come alongside and share her faith with. After she was released from the camp, Woo talked about her time of imprisonment, saying that Psalm 23 summed up her experience. Although she had been trapped in a dark valley, Jesus was her Shepherd who gave her peace: “Even though it felt as if I was literally in a valley full of the shadow of death, I wasn’t afraid of anything. God comforted me every day.”

She experienced God’s goodness and love as He reminded her that she was His daughter. “I was in a terrible place, but I knew . . . I would experience God’s goodness and love.” And she knew she’d stay by God’s side forever. I hope you find encouragement and challenge in Woo’s story. Despite her terrible situation, she felt God’s love and leading. He kept her going and stopped her being scared. If we follow Jesus, He will lead us through our own times of trouble. We need not be afraid if we stick close to Him, for “[we] will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (PSALM 23:6).

GOD TAKES AWAY OUR FEAR.

Youth Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries