March 12, 2009 ~ Shepherd’s Psalm, pt. 4
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.
~ Psalms 23:4
I wanted to find a picture to headline this post and visually illustrate verse 4, so I did a search for “valley of the shadow of death,” and the options that were offered were almost exclusively arid desert places, craggy desolate rocky wastelands, ugly winter wilderness of barren trees and long-dead foliage, and . . . well, you get the idea. No question about it – they looked pretty creepy to me. Is that really what the valley of the shadow of death (VSD) is like?
I don’t think that is the complete picture of the VSD because verse 4 tells me that I will have no fear because God will be with me to comfort me. I know this all too well in my own journey through advanced breast cancer. He has never been closer to me, and never have I felt the love of Jesus more strongly than when this journey began – and it continues to this very moment! He is with me! That knowledge alone is enough. Enough to bring comfort, peace and joy even when the winds are howling all around me.
So I searched and seached, and eventually found the headlining picture. Yes, the background is desolate BUT notice that there is a compass in the hands of the traveler. We have not been left without direction. The scripture doesn’t say we are wandering aimlessly through the VSD, doesn’t say we are running through it as if a wild animal is on our tail – it says we walk through it. Just the fact that we will walk, and that He is with us demonstrates that His peace will be there too.
The other reason I selected the photo at the top of this post is because of the trail marker. Notice that there is an option to go forward or back, and the one holding the compass seems to have made the choice to move forward. 
Again, this is because of the absense of fear in moving on. The Shepherd is there, and His authority is demonstrated by the presence of His rod and staff. Knowing that He is going with us, that He is our direction and guide, and that He is in control and has authority over the situation brings peace to the traveler. The journey through the VSD is not impromptu, and did not catch the Shepherd offguard. No! He is prepared, and He has equipped His flock with all they need to walk peacefully where He leads.
One last observation: it is the valley of the shadow of death. Where there is a shadow, there is even more light.
Hello Lori,
it is the valley of the shadow of death. Where there is a shadow, there is even more light.
What an awesome observation! It’s only a shadow.
May God bless you continually Lori and may you always feel His presence in your life as He leads and guides you during this journey!
You are truly a blessing!
In Christ Jesus
Tamela:)
Tamela, you are such an encourager! The Lord’s presence has been very real while on this journey, and His love has surrounded and enveloped me. I’m so happy for the joy of knowing that He is with me always.