This post is Day 13 in a series of studies about “Psalm 23”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Psalm 23 – Day 13

The Bible tells us that satan was once a prince among the angelic beings in Heaven, but jealousy and self importance got a grip on him and he was cast out of Heaven. Since that day he has been tormenting the people of the earth.

Psalm 23:4

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil.

The Thought

Let’s stay with this verse for one more day while we look briefly at where evil came from.

The Bible tells us that satan was once a prince among the angelic beings in Heaven. But jealousy and self importance got a grip on him and he was cast out of Heaven. Since that day he has been tormenting the people of the earth.

He began in Eden when he persuaded Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. He has been making evil suggestions to mankind ever since.

Satan is responsible for all evil in the earth, but as individuals we can, and we must resist his influence, Jesus gave us the power to do that. In James 4:7 we read that we must “submit ourselves to God“, that’s the first and most important thing, “then resist satan and he will flee from us!”

When the group of 72 disciples came back from their first missionary trip, they were rejoicing that the demons obeyed them, but Jesus brought their focus back to the important thing. In Luke 10:18-20 we read of Jesus’ response “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

The verse for today encourages us to not look at our immediate situation which may be dark and difficult, but to be confident that we will get through any problems we are facing, the verse continues tomorrow and tells us how to get through those dark valleys.

Action

Read Isaiah 14:12-15 about satan’s ambition and destiny and rejoice that Jesus overcame him at the cross.