” The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. 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. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” (Psalm 23)
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death . . .” Verse four has been a very encouraging part of this beautiful Psalm to me for many, many years. I want to suggest to you that the “valley of the shadow of death” could very well be speaking of the varied approaches of the death moment for us, but it may also be a reference to the many traumatic storms of life. Beloved, beyond the clouds of your storm the sun shines brightly. The storm you are experiencing is not all there is to be seen, though where you stand it is dark and loud and close. May I give to you, dear Christian, a wondrous bit of truth . . . a truth for your ‘valley’ journey, to place hope in your step? There is Someone by your side! When you are all alone, you’re not alone; He is there! In your scary situation, you may well be surrounded by a host of angels. But even better yet, the LORD Himself is within that circle of angels, and much more near than they. When you weep, you’re not alone. When you pray, you’re not alone. When you want to cry, and tears won’t come, you’re not alone . . . no, never alone. In your darkest “valley” time, He is there with you, and for you. For, He has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you, no, not ever! For me, the key word is “through“. Our God will see you through whatever you face in life, even death itself.
