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.”
Psalm 23:4 KJV
Fear is everywhere right now, isn’t it? It’s so easy to be afraid. We just turn on the news and the next thing we know, fear is gripping our hearts. With everything going on in the world, there are lots of good reasons to be afraid. But even if our fear is totally justified, we have to be on guard against it.
If we’re not careful, fear will chip away at our faith in God. If we focus totally on all the scary things in the world right now, they can begin to seem even bigger than God.
We are walking through tough times right now. But we’ve got to choose to look to God in the midst of difficulty. We can’t magnify fear to the point that we forget God. God promises to be with us, to protect us and comfort us in the middle of our fear.
David was getting old when he penned these words which have meant so much to so many. In this middle section of this Psalm, he changes from talking about his Shepherd Who leads and guides him, feeds and waters him, protects and revives him, to addressing the Shepherd Himself: "For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."
David knew of the many useful tasks of the shepherd's rod, which could be used to stun or kill a ferocious beast that was attacking a vulnerable little lamb. It could be used to rescue his straying sheep, and could be used to count each one as they filed past the comforting shepherd's crook and into the sheepfold for the night.
But no matter what dangers stalked the progress of the little flock along their pathway, their shepherd was there to guide them and protect them. And so David was able to say: "I will fear no evil for You are with me," even when passing through the dangers and distresses of the valley of deep darkness.
Psalm 23, which has meant so much to so many, has not lost its powerful impact on all who understand and apply its truths to their own life. The valley of the shadow of death becomes the pathway to life and peace to all Who follow the Good Shepherd Who gave his life for His sheep.
The valley of deep darkness and gloom is flooded with light and hope, for the Son of Righteousness illumines the path of all Who have become sons of light. And as we follow the path that God has scheduled for us throughout life, let us trust Him in all the disappointments and distresses that we may face: "For Thou art with me. Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me."
Father, thank You for this day and that we do not have to face death alone. Open the windows of heaven and rain down Your abundant blessings upon my friend and family today. Lord, we look for Your guidance and listen for Your voice to lead us through death's dark valley and bring us to Your Holy and glorious presence in victory and with joy. Thank You that You are the Great Shepherd of the sheep, and You are our Good Shepherd in Whom we trust. Lord, keep us we pray, from all dangers that stalk our path, and may we find true comfort and protection, provision, and peace in You, and tell all today of it. Be a blessing.
Father, we love You. Amen !
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