THE SHEPHERD PROTECTS AND COMFORTS!
"Yea, 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." Psalm 23:4
WE ALL EXPERIENCE THE DOWNSIDE OF LIFE FROM TIME TO TIME...HOW DO WE DEAL WITH IT?
David had no fear as he walked "through the valley of the shadow of death" (v.4) He knew that God would be with him and protect him.
We often comfort those who are dying with this verse. God is certainly a source of comfort in a person's dying moments. However, this verse primarily speaks of the Shepherd's ability to protect his sheep in moment's of danger. The valleys are places of rich pasture and much water, but they are also places of danger. Wild animals lurk in the canyon walls. Sudden storms may sweep along the valley floors. Very little sun was seen so there really are shadows which at any moment may become shadows of death.
A verse from Isaiah 43:2 has been very comforting to me personally when I go through difficult heart-wrenching things in life that have often left me baffled:
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you: And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you."
Death casts a frightening shadow over us because we are entirely helpless in its presence. We can struggle with other enemies - pain, suffering, disease, injury - but strength and courage cannot overcome death. It has the final word. Only one person can walk with us through death's dark valley and bring us safely to the other side - the God of life, our Shepherd - Jesus. Because life is uncertain, we should follow this Shepherd who offers us eternal comfort.
The valley of he shadow of death could also mean any distressing time in our lives. The awareness of our own mortality often comes with sickness, trials, and hardship. But the Lord, our Protector, can lead us through these dark and difficult valleys to eternal life with Him. There is no need to fear death's power (1 Cor. 15:25-27). God is alive! We are safely in the palm of His hand. Praise God!
It is important to note that "the valley of the shadow of death" is as much God's right path for us as the "green pastures" which lie beside "quiet waters." That is, the Christian life is not always tranquil nor, as we say, a mountain-top experience. God gives us valleys also. It is in the valleys with their trials and dangers that we develop character. We are never so conscious of the presence of God as when we pass through life's valleys. And what do we say when fear takes over in us, "When I am afraid, I will trust in you" (Psalm 56:3)
Here is a version of the 23th Psalm by Joseph Addison:
The Lord my pasture shall prepare,
And feed me with a Shepherd's care;
His presence shall my wants supply,
And guard me with a watchful eye;
My noonday walks he shall attend,
And all my midnight hours defend.
When in the sultry glebe I faint,
Or on the thirsty mountain pant,
To fertile walks and dewy meads
My weary wandering steps he leads,
Where peaceful rivers, soft and slow,
Amid the verdant landscape flow.
