Though I walk through the dark valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4
With Jesus my Shepherd, I have security
A young couple, seemingly blessed in many ways, learn that their daughter has been diagnosed with an advanced stage of cancer, and the prognosis is not promising. They wonder how this happened? What is God’s plan in this?
In verse 3 of Psalm 23, King David confidently says that the Lord leads him “on the right path.” However, after one poem, he finds himself walking through the darkest valley—in some translations, “the valley of the shadow of death.” How did he get here, when just moments ago he was resting in green pastures?
The truth is that the Lord often leads His people into dark and dangerous times in life. These can take many different forms of suffering, loss, difficulty, and trials, which can affect both body and spirit. And yes, one day death will also cast its shadow on our lives. Although some of this may be related to bad choices we made along the way, it is never a case of God leading us in the wrong direction or leaving us alone along the way. The darkness of the valley may prevent us from seeing clearly, but it does not prevent our God from being in control. Even in those dark days, we can join David in saying, “I will fear no evil, because you are with me.” Jesus, our Good Shepherd, watches over us and powerfully protects us from our greatest enemies: sin, death, and the devil. Even death cannot separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus. “In everything God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28).
Prayer: (CW, 552:4)
I fear no evil in the dark valley of death
With you, dear Lord, beside me,
Your rod and staff still comfort me,
Your cross before guiding me. Amen.
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All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used with permission from Zondervan. All rights reserved world wide.
