The Valley of The Shadow

Psalm 23:4 “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” 

David wrote from his experience, giving us insight into the way a shepherd looked after his sheep. He cared for their every need. In this verse, he is talking about the yearly trip to higher ground to find new pasture for the flock. They would pass through rough places, face dangers, but the shepherd was watching over them every step of the way. His rod and staff would keep predators away and rescue them if they strayed from the path.

I know the shepherd who leads beside still waters and in tender green pastures; the One who supplies my every need. I feel His presence near me as I go to sleep at night, and as I rise to face each new day. I know He will never leave me nor forsake me. I hear His still, small voice as I read His Word and communicate with Him in prayer.

But I also know the Shepherd who leads even through the dark valleys. When life gets hard, when troubles come, I know that He is still leading. He knows the paths that we take, and He goes before us. He refreshes us when we are exhausted. He heals our sicknesses. He protects us from the pitfalls along the way. When we go astray, He gently and firmly guides us back to the right path. He knows the fears that we face, and He reassures us, providing the comfort that we need. I have felt His loving arms around me in times of sorrow.

Look at the phrase, “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.”

There will be times when we pass through the valley of shadows. We will experience the death of loved ones. We will hear words from a doctor that will fill our hearts with fear. We may face financial struggles from which we can see no relief. Friends and family may disappoint us and often reject us. It is in those situations that we learn to fully trust the Shepherd. He is just leading us to higher ground. He does not leave us in the valley; He takes us through.

We can trust His promises:

Isaiah 43:2 “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” 

Philippians 1:6 “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

Romans 8:38-39 “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord”

Promise for Today: No matter how dark our valley, the Good Shepherd will take us safely through.

Devotion by Anne Johnston