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. (Psalms 23:4)
The valley of the shadow of death can refer to 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).
You are with me: The Good Shepherd is with us even in what seem the most difficult and troubling situations.
Your rod and Your staff: Ancient shepherds used the rod and staff to rescue, protect, and guide the sheep. Thus, they become symbols of the Good Shepherd’s loving care over His flock. The sheep are not alone; their Shepherd is standing over them, guiding them into safety — just as the Lord stands over us and protects us.
Death casts a frightening shadow over us because we are entirely helpless in its presence. We can struggle with other enemies – pain, suffering, disease, and 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. Because life is uncertain, we should follow this Shepherd who offers us eternal comfort.
Father God, thank you for always being with me in my time of troubles and giving me the strength and courage to continue through the valleys of my life. Thank you Lord for being with me in my time of sorrow when only You and You alone could provide the comfort I needed. I pray this all in Jesus’ name. Amen.
References: NKJV Holy Bible, Life Application Bible (NIV), and the Nelson Study Bible.
You are with me: The Good Shepherd is with us even in what seem the most difficult and troubling situations.
Your rod and Your staff: Ancient shepherds used the rod and staff to rescue, protect, and guide the sheep. Thus, they become symbols of the Good Shepherd’s loving care over His flock. The sheep are not alone; their Shepherd is standing over them, guiding them into safety — just as the Lord stands over us and protects us.
Death casts a frightening shadow over us because we are entirely helpless in its presence. We can struggle with other enemies – pain, suffering, disease, and 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. Because life is uncertain, we should follow this Shepherd who offers us eternal comfort.
Father God, thank you for always being with me in my time of troubles and giving me the strength and courage to continue through the valleys of my life. Thank you Lord for being with me in my time of sorrow when only You and You alone could provide the comfort I needed. I pray this all in Jesus’ name. Amen.
References: NKJV Holy Bible, Life Application Bible (NIV), and the Nelson Study Bible.
