“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
There is good news in the 23rd Psalm that is often overlooked. Because the ominous words of the fourth verse are so bold, we often read right over this comforting word. The word? “Through.”
This Psalm was written as a psalm of comfort. A shepherd does not live an easy life. A shepherd lives outdoors, among the animals. Often, shepherds in the Middle East must travel a great distance to bring their sheep to places of food and water. These travels are not easy. Sheep require constant care and protection. The sheep are easy prey. This puts the shepherds in dangerous situations, as well.
The 23rd Psalm offers comfort to the reader when they hear that they are going “through” the dark valley. God, our shepherd, does not intend for us to stay in the shadow of death. God is leading us, in grace, “through” the valley. God does not direct us to build a shelter in the middle of the wilderness. God commits to comforting us as we travel through the scariest of places.
Our life is filled with dark valleys. The trials and struggles of life can make us feel lost and alone in the wilderness. The good news is that God accompanies us through these moments. God does not desert us to fight life’s battles alone. Not only does God lead us, but in our weakness, God cares for us. There is great comfort in knowing that we do not have to make our home in the valley of the shadow of death. God will lead us through!
-Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
