This was a nightmare in real time! I didn’t have to be there; this wasn’t even my platoon. The sound of gunfire and yelling and the pure adrenaline created a surreal reality as we desperately fought to repel the enemy. They attacked, were stopped by our gunfire, then regrouped and attacked again. This went on for three days as we tenuously held our precarious position.

The thick, triple-jungle canopy over us barely allowed sunshine to filter into the valley. That’s why we never saw the enemy until we were well into their basecamp. At night, “Puff the Magic Dragon” flew over the jungle dropping illumination flares that cast unearthly shadows as they drifted over us. The words of my uncle, who was a Korean War veteran, echoed in my mind: “Don’t ever volunteer!” But that was not a Marine Corps philosophy.

I walked among heroes during the three days in the valley. We were in fierce combat, at times hand to hand, as the enemy was on a mission to wipe out this undermanned company of Marines.

In my dreams (nightmares), the valley seemed to be what King David referred to in Psalm 23:4: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me.”

There are 365 times the Bible says “fear not” or “don’t be afraid” — one for each day of the year. There’s a reason we are told not to fear, because fear will cripple us. It will keep us from having peace in our lives. It will keep us from fulfilling our hopes and dreams. It will keep us from taking chances that could lead to success in our lives. Fear (phobias) will keep us from enjoying life the way God intended. Fear of failure has kept many from taking a chance, and usually the fear is not grounded in reality.

If I take this job, I might fail. What if I can’t do the work?

If I ask this girl to marry me, she might say no. Or if we do get married, it may not work out.

Many times, fear steals victories and experiences that will be a blessing in our lives. My valley of death was real, but most of the time the fear is in our minds. It’s irrational!

Scripture says not to fear so many times because God really wants us to know He can keep us from fearing. Let’s look at the entire Psalm 23:

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. 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 have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness [mercy] will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Look at the many promises God made if we walk with Him. Our weary souls are restored. He is with us even when we feel we are surrounded by our enemies. He comforts us and guides us and will even prepare a table for us when our enemies surround us.

After many years of walking with my Lord, I know I can have His perfect peace in the midst of turmoil. Last year when I was in Ukraine, I knew there was no place you could really call safe. Russian President Vladimir Putin wants the Ukrainian people to live in fear. But if you know where your eternal home is and that nothing can keep you from His presence, you can have peace. I experienced it firsthand!

His peace be with you.

Semper Fidelis