Scripture
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4 NIV
Question
David’s main desire was to seek God and live in his presence. How do we seek God?
Psalm 23
God Is With Us in the Valley
There are certain passages of scripture that have come to be precious and well-known to both Christians and non-Christians alike, and Psalm 23 is one of those passages. (In fact, if you are familiar with this passage, you might want to read it in The Message to get a feel for it in unfamiliar language). These words provide deep comfort, a reminder that God is the Good Shepherd, who cares and tends to the sheep within his care.
David grew up working as a shepherd, so he knew the roles and responsibilities of the one who is tasked with taking care of the sheep. In this psalm, he was writing about what he knew. And David knew that shepherds don’t just follow the sheep around without thought. No, shepherds would actively lead the sheep in places that would provide for them, protect them, and comfort them.
There are quite a lot of descriptive phrases in this psalm and many of them are good: green pastures, quiet waters, right paths, overflowing cups. But the psalm also acknowledges that the Shepherd leads us through troubled times as well: darkest valleys, evil, the presence of enemies.
David grew up working as a shepherd, so he knew the roles and responsibilities of the one who is tasked with taking care of the sheep. In this psalm, he was writing about what he knew. And David knew that shepherds don’t just follow the sheep around without thought. No, shepherds would actively lead the sheep in places that would provide for them, protect them, and comfort them.
There are quite a lot of descriptive phrases in this psalm and many of them are good: green pastures, quiet waters, right paths, overflowing cups. But the psalm also acknowledges that the Shepherd leads us through troubled times as well: darkest valleys, evil, the presence of enemies.
Like many other psalms, Psalm 23 doesn’t gloss over hard times. God is with us and leads us even when times are scary and difficult. Nothing separates us from God’s love and care. Even when difficult things happen to us, God is leading us still.
Sometimes it seems like we are spending all of our time in the valleys of life, but we don’t have to be afraid. God is always close.
Verses 5 and 6 point to the deep intimacy that we have with God. He prepares a table for us, he anoints us, and we will dwell in his house forever. His goodness and mercy are never far, and there is no end to his covenant love.
Is God the Good Shepherd for you? What valleys are you walking through lately? Do you trust that God will take care of you?
Sometimes it seems like we are spending all of our time in the valleys of life, but we don’t have to be afraid. God is always close.
Verses 5 and 6 point to the deep intimacy that we have with God. He prepares a table for us, he anoints us, and we will dwell in his house forever. His goodness and mercy are never far, and there is no end to his covenant love.
Is God the Good Shepherd for you? What valleys are you walking through lately? Do you trust that God will take care of you?
Prayer