“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.” Psalm 23:4
January 31, 2023
David knew there were times when the Shepherd had to lead the sheep down dangerous paths. The “even though” implies that non-grassy meadow days draw us even closer to the Shepherd. To put it another way, the “even though” is David’s way of saying, “I want to concede something. Life is not one long grassy meadow.” The pronoun is also instructive. David replaces the “he” at this point with “you.” The Shepherd is no longer ahead to lead, but alongside to escort. How sweet is the Lord’s companionship as we go through the threatening uncertainties of life. The valley in the desert could very well be a “wadi” which was very treacherous, a hiding place for bandits, wild animals, or subject to flash floods. But the psalmist was not ruled by fears. The presence of the Shepherd gave David, as it should us, the courage to throw down our fears at the feet of the Shepherd. Let those two little words, “with me,” take over your thoughts. What are those fears? Impending death, unexpected bills, imminent surgery, difficult people on the job, prolonged illness, facing the future without a spouse? We have an incomparable Shepherd.
H
“Dear Shepherd of my life, no threat to me is greater than you. You are my strength. I will fight my fears with the faith you make possible.”